California state senator arrested for driving under the influence

State Sen. Dave Min, D-Irvine, a candidate for Congress, announced on Facebook Wednesday that he was arrested Tuesday night for misdemeanor driving under the influence.

“My decision to drive last night was irresponsible. I accept full responsibility and there is no excuse for my actions. To my family, constituents and supporters, I am so deeply sorry. I know I need to do better. I will not let this personal failure distract from our work in California and in Washington,” Min wrote in a Facebook post at 9:08 a.m. Wednesday.

According to the California Highway Patrol (the arresting agency), officers witnessed a silver Toyota Camry driven by Min traveling south on 9th Street without headlights at 10:23 p.m.

As officers followed, they witnessed the Camry briefly stop at a red light at the intersection of 9th and Broadway before continuing on while the light was still red, the arrest report said.

When CHP stopped the vehicle and spoke with Min, the arrest report said, he was showing “signs and symptoms of alcohol intoxication.”

After conducting a DUI investigation, CHP took Min into custody and he was booked into Sacramento County Jail. He later was released. The report did not state what Min’s blood alcohol content level was.

A person can be cited for DUI if their blood alcohol content is greater than 0.08%. While driving under the influence often is alcohol-related, a person also can be cited for DUI for driving under the influence of narcotics.

If a person is arrested for DUI, California law requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to suspend their driving privilege. A police officer also can take away the driver’s license and issue a temporary license for 30 days, according to the DMV.

If convicted of a DUI, a person will be required to complete a DUI program and take high-risk insurance. A conviction also may lead to jail time, a fine and a requirement to install an ignition interlock device.

Min, 47, first was elected to the State Senate in 2020. After U.S. House Rep. Katie Porter announced that she was running to succeed Sen. Dianne Feinstein in the U.S. Senate, Min announced that he was running to replace Porter in the House of Representatives. Porter endorsed Min’s campaign.

Porter’s congressional seat is a top target for both the Democratic and Republican parties in 2024.

The National Republic Congressional Committee, which is focused on electing Republicans in competitive districts, released a statement following Min’s announcement.

“Voters will rightfully question David Min’s judgment after this incident, but will California Democrats?” said NRCC spokesman Ben Petersen.

The Bee has reached out to Min and also to Porter for comment. This story will be updated as more details become available.

This story was originally published May 3, 2023 at 10:27 AM with the headline "California state senator arrested for driving under the influence."