California state Sen. Kevin de Le贸n is a day away from knowing if his fight against the 鈥渆stablishment鈥� campaign has paid off in his run to become California's next U.S. Senator.
But things aren鈥檛 looking good. Recent polls show de Le贸n鈥檚 opponent, 26-year Democratic incumbent Sen. Dianne Feinstein, has a strong lead over him. And despite being endorsed by the California Democratic Party, de Leon has raised a mere $1.6 million for his campaign compared to Feinstein鈥檚 $16.5 million.
Both candidates faced off against one another just one time at a .
Feinstein wants voters to know that she's a problem-solver who can work with politicians across the aisle. While accepting an award at a luncheon last week for female Democrats, she spoke about passing the first assault weapons ban through the United States Senate in 1994. The law was in place for 10 years.
鈥淧eople took me seriously,鈥� Feinstein said. 鈥淭hey knew I could put it together, they knew I could negotiate. And that makes a difference.鈥�
The senator also emphasized some of her top priorities: immigration reform, health care through a public option, and sexual assault legislation. In October, the senator unapologetically defended her decision to keep Dr. Christine Blasey Ford鈥檚 letter about Justice Brett Kavanaugh confidential.
鈥淚 have seen enough now to know that we've got to make some changes,鈥� Feinstein said. 鈥淲e're gonna put together some legislation and kind of change the way things are done.鈥�
De Le贸n pledges to provide Medicare for all, immigration reform, and to push back against the Trump administration.
鈥淲hat is at stake now is the soul of our country. We have a president who is dismantling all of our democratic institutions,鈥� de Le贸n said. 鈥淲e need folks who are gonna speak truth to power and be on the front lines to fight for everyday Californians, not on the sidelines.鈥�
De Le贸n has continuously touted himself as the candidate that will shake up Washington.
鈥淭hese are very dangerous, very consequential times in our nation's history,鈥� the state senator said. 鈥淲e need a new voice. A voice of change. Someone who won't do the same-old same-old because [it鈥檚] simply not working for the vast majority of Californians.鈥�
De Le贸n says his opponent's moderate tone and political record are out of touch. Feinstein has dismissed de Le贸n as a termed-out politician looking for a new job.
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