WASHINGTON — Republicans are looking to turn anger over California school closures during the coronavirus pandemic into a red wave for the 2022 congressional elections.
The GOP is laying plans to saddle its top targets in California — Democratic Reps. Josh Harder of Turlock, John Garamendi of Walnut Grove, Katie Porter of Irvine and Mike Levin of San Juan Capistrano — with the state’s comparably slow reopening of in-classroom teaching.
Republicans believe sustained outrage over the issue in California can make for a potent campaign message in November 2022 as they fight to retake the House and Senate, especially in the suburbs and among women, where the GOP lost significant ground during the Trump administration.
