LOS ANGELES - Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, a candidate for the Los Angeles City Council, was arrested early Friday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence. The arrest has the potential to impact an already contentious race for the City Council seat.

According to online booking records from the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, Carrillo, 43, was apprehended by the Los Angeles Police Department at approximately 1:30 a.m. She was subsequently booked into jail at around 4 a.m.

Carrillo, in a statement, acknowledged that she had crashed into parked vehicles prior to her arrest. She confirmed that no one was injured in the incident and emphasized her full cooperation with law enforcement.

The City Council race in question involves an attempt to unseat Council member Kevin de León, who faced widespread backlash last year due to a leaked audio scandal containing racist remarks. Carrillo, along with fellow Democratic Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, is one of the challenging candidates seeking to replace de León. Both Carrillo and Santiago previously served alongside de León in the state Legislature.

This is not the first time a DUI arrest has had an impact on an intra-Democrat race. Democratic state Sen. Dave Min, currently vying for the congressional seat soon to be vacant following Rep. Katie Porter's retirement, was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving earlier this year. Min's opponent, Democratic lawyer Joanna Weiss, has questioned the effect of the arrest on Min's electability, given the significance of the House seat for the Democratic party in the upcoming November elections.

Carrillo's campaign has focused on her deep connections to the eastern Los Angeles district, particularly Boyle Heights. Her rivalry with Santiago has caused division within the Assembly Democratic caucus, with Carrillo gaining the support of former Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, while Santiago has secured the endorsement of current Speaker Robert Rivas. Santiago has also garnered endorsements from numerous labor and business groups in Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, the city's progressive faction, represented by sitting Council member Eunisses Hernandez, has thrown its weight behind Ysabel Jurado, a tenant's rights lawyer.

The arrest of Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo adds another layer of complexity to an already heated City Council race. As the candidates continue to vie for support, this incident underscores the need for responsible behavior, especially among those seeking public office. The impact of Carrillo's arrest remains to be seen in this battle for the City Council seat that holds significant implications for the future of Los Angeles.