judy chu and the race for california's 32nd district

Right now, the political race to watch is next week's special election in California 32nd District to replace Rep. Hilda Solis, who stepped down to become secretary of labor. You'd think as an Asian American candidate in a largely Latino district, it would be pretty tough terrain for Judy Chu. But she's actually looking pretty good.

The seat has exclusively sent Hispanic members to Congress for the past two decades and Hispanics make up roughly two-thirds of the population in the East Los Angeles-area district. But in a crowded, 12-candidate field that includes numerous Hispanic candidates, Chu has racked up significant institutional support from the Hispanic community, putting her in a pretty strong position.

Chu has nabbed endorsements from prominent Hispanic officeholders ranging from Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to the two Latino assemblymen who represent seats within the congressional district boundaries. She's also picked up near-unanimous backing from unions. This article breaks it all down pretty nicely: Will Judy Chu change California's 32nd district?