By Chris Jennewein
An influential national political action committee announced Wednesday that embattled Rep. Duncan Hunter is one of 20 incumbents it will seek to defeat in 2020.
Washington, DC-based End Citizens United named Hunter to its “Big Money 20″ list, which targets lawmakers who receive significant campaign donations from corporations. Other targets on the list include Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.
“Duncan Hunter is one of the most corrupt members of Congress and it’s finally catching up with him,” said Tiffany Muller, president of the political action committee. “End Citizens United will work tirelessly to unseat Hunter in 2020 to give the people of California’s 50th Congressional District the representation they deserve.”
Hunter is currently under indictment for allegedly diverting campaign funds for personal use, including family vacations and, prosecutors allege, extramarital affairs. His wife has pleaded guilty and may testify against him.
“While Hunter has been indicted for using campaign funds for personal expenses, like funding vacations, buying a flight for his pet rabbit, and financing his extramarital affairs with multiple women, the needs of California families have been ignored,” said Muller.
End Citizens United raised $44 million in the 2018 election cycle. It has already endorsed Hunter’s main Democratic challenger, Ammar Campa-Najjar, in the 2020 race for the district in East County.
Founded in 2015, End Citizens United backs candidates who support a campaign finance overhaul. The committee takes its name from the Supreme Court decision that allowed corporations to contribute to candidates.