California 33rd Congressional District: 2020 Election

MARINA DEL REY, CA — Two candidates—both veterans—will square off in the race for California's 33rd Congressional District.

Democratic incumbent Ted Lieu will face off with Republican challenger James P. Bradley to represent LA's Westside and South Bay in Congress. Both candidates advanced from the primary election in March.

Lieu is an Air Force veteran is serving his his third term in Congress and currently sits on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He was also elected by his Democratic Colleagues to serve as a Co-Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee. His term started January 2015 is set to end in January 2021.

Bradley is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran. He served from 1981-1986. He has worked as a chief financial officer and chief operating officer, beginning in 2015.

Bradley has used Twitter to attack his opponent as Election Day nears.

Where in #Communist China is Ted LIeu?
— James P. Bradley (@BradleyCongress) November 2, 2020

The candidates have not debated. Lieu has not issued a response to Bradley's online accusations that he does not support veterans.

Lieu is endorsed by the California Democratic Party, along with other state and local leaders.

UCLA's The Daily Bruin editorial board has endorsed Lieu, citing his work.

In the last year alone, Lieu has proposed 52 bills of his own and co-sponsored over 700. His notable legislative actions include the co-sponsoring of the Justice in Policing Act of 2020, which aims to combat systemic racism within law enforcement, and proposing an amendment which would prohibit funds from being used to send federal agents to crack down on protests with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Both in the House and out, Lieu has been staunchly unafraid of denouncing President Donald Trump and his administration. Not only did Lieu vote for Trump’s impeachment and urge the FBI to evaluate the U.S. Postal Service for postal delivery obstruction, but his Twitter takedowns of the President have also earned him the well-deserved moniker of “clapback king.”

When contrasted with Lieu’s active legislation, opponent James P. Bradley’s limited experience and pigeonholed platforms pale in comparison. Bradley may call for “Intelligent solutions for California,” but Lieu is leagues ahead of him – his policies have already served both the state and the nation.

Bradley is endorsed by actor Jon Voight, Angelina Jolie's father, according to his campaign manager Susana Sheil.

“James Bradley is pro-life like Donald Trump. Any leader who stands up against the slaughter of American children is incredibly important in healing our nation,” Bradley's campaign manager told the Beverly Press. “No. 2, he is pro-Israel, like Donald Trump. God says, whoever blesses Israel, he will bless them. Whoever curses Israel, he will curse them. James Bradley is pro law and order. He’s not there to defund the police but to re-fund the police. James Bradley stands with Donald Trump on parental individual and health freedoms. And is a man of faith, family and freedom as well.”

In 2019, Bradley attempted to unseat U.S. Rep. Harley Rouda (D-Laguna Beach) in the 48th District, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Voters in the 33rd District are from Agoura Hills, Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey, Playa Vista, El Segundo, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, parts of Torrance and Palos Verdes.

Check back with Patch on Election Day for more updates: CA Elections 2020