Former Aide Jake Rakov Launches Primary Challenge Against Rep. Brad Sherman
Rakov criticizes Sherman’s leadership and calls for generational change in California’s 32nd District as Democrats debate party direction under Republican control.
- Jake Rakov, a former deputy communications director for Rep. Brad Sherman, announced his campaign to unseat his former boss in the 2026 primary election.
- Rakov’s campaign emphasizes term limits, rejecting corporate PAC funding, and holding monthly town halls to increase accountability to constituents.
- He criticized Sherman for being out of touch, citing the congressman’s move to a $2 million home in D.C. and a lack of town halls in the district over the past five years.
- Sherman defended his record, highlighting his seniority in Congress as critical for securing appropriations, committee assignments, and legislative influence.
- This challenge reflects a broader generational shift within the Democratic Party, as younger candidates push for new leadership and strategies to counter Republican dominance under Trump’s administration.