Concerns Raised Over Potential Misrepresentation of Republican Candidate in 2024 California General Election

September 23, 2024

At San Diego Republican, a grass roots civil society of Conservative voters, our concerns are mounting over the potential misrepresentation of party affiliation in the upcoming 2024 California General Election, specifically regarding candidates listed as Republicans who may not have official backing from legitimate Republican organizations. This has sparked our fears of “shadow candidates” or “false flag” candidates entering races under false pretenses. Under the California Voter’s Choice Act, every active registered voter in San Diego County will receive a ballot in the mail the week of October 6, 2024.

Potential Electoral Impact

The presence of such candidates could significantly impact election outcomes. By dividing the Republican vote, these candidates may inadvertently or deliberately benefit opponents from other parties. If such practices are confirmed, they could undermine the electoral process and confuse voters, casting doubt on the authenticity of the candidates’ affiliations.

Case Study: California’s 52nd Congressional District

One notable case involves Justin Lee, listed as a Republican candidate for the U.S. House in California’s 52nd Congressional District, which will be contested in the November 2024 general election. As of September 23, 2024, it appears no campaign funds have been raised nor spent according to the FEC.

Candidate Profile and Election Context
With only two candidates, Justin Lee automatically advanced from the primary election on March 5, 2024, to face Democratic incumbent Juan Vargas. However, questions have arisen surrounding Lee’s candidacy.

Discrepancies and Concerns
As of September 23, 2024, Lee’s profile on the election information website Ballotpedia.org lacks key campaign details, such as a profile picture and campaign website (See Exhibits A and B). This absence of standard campaign elements raises doubts about the seriousness of his candidacy. Furthermore, Lee is listed as an at-large board member of the Asian Democrats of Los Angeles County (ADLAC), an affiliation that conflicts with his status as a Republican candidate (See Exhibit D).

Supporting Documentation
Several pieces of evidence are available for review, including screenshots of Lee’s Ballotpedia profile, his Twitter account (See Exhibit C), and his membership on the ADLAC board.

Summary

While there is no definitive proof of misconduct, the discrepancies surrounding Lee’s candidacy highlight a broader issue that warrants further investigation. These concerns emphasize the importance of electoral transparency and ensuring voters have accurate information.

Call for Investigation

In light of these concerns, it is recommended that electoral authorities, specifically Registrar Cynthia L. Paes of the San Diego County Registrar of Voters and Secretary of State Dr. Shirley N. Weber of the California Secretary of State, conduct a thorough investigation into candidates’ affiliations to ensure the integrity of the 2024 California General Election. To reiterate the urgency for a timely response by the electoral authorities, under the California Voter’s Choice Act, every active registered voter in San Diego County will receive a ballot in the mail the week of October 6, 2024.

Exhibits

Exhibit A – Jason Lee on Ballotpedia

Exhibit B – Juan Vargas on Ballotpedia

Exhibit C – Justin Lee Twitter account

Exhibit D – Asian Democrats of Los Angeles County Board Members

Exhibit E – Justin Lee Twitter Screenshot

Key Points To Remember

• Concern Over Misrepresentation: San Diego Republican voters fear candidates listed as Republicans may not have official backing from legitimate Republican organizations, sparking fears of “shadow” or “false flag” candidates.
• Potential Electoral Impact: These candidates could divide the Republican vote, benefiting opponents and undermining electoral integrity by confusing voters about candidate affiliations.
• Case Study – California’s 52nd Congressional District: Justin Lee, a Republican candidate, has raised concerns due to discrepancies in his candidacy, such as a lack of campaign details and conflicting affiliations.
• Discrepancies and Concerns: Lee’s Ballotpedia profile lacks standard elements (e.g., campaign website), and he is listed as an at-large board member of the Asian Democrats of Los Angeles County (ADLAC), which conflicts with his Republican candidacy.
• Supporting Evidence: Screenshots and documents, including Lee’s Ballotpedia profile and Twitter account, provide evidence of these discrepancies.
• Call for Investigation: Authorities, such as the San Diego County Registrar and California Secretary of State, are urged to investigate candidate affiliations to maintain electoral transparency and integrity.
• Voter Reminder: Under the California Voter’s Choice Act, all registered voters in San Diego County will receive their ballots the week of October 6, 2024.