The first indication of the hurdles Fremont Mayor Lily Mei is likely to face as she campaigns for an East Bay state Senate seat this year came in January.
Her name didn't appear on the Tri-City Democratic Club's endorsement ballot in the race for the open 10th Senate District seat.
It followed Mei being the first person deemed anti-LGBTQIA+ by the Alameda County Democratic Party last fall. It means she is no longer eligible to be backed by the local party, while other elected officials and community leaders could face repercussions from the party's central committee if they personally support Mei.
The local party left for further debate what would happen if a Democratic club chartered by it endorses her candidacy. Yet, it appears to already be a factor as clubs begin making endorsements in the contest to succeed termed out Senator Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont).