Senate candidate Loretta Sanchez sorry for ‘offensive’ remark

ANAHEIM — With the stage set for Rep. Loretta Sanchez to kick-start her campaign for U.S. Senate on Sunday at the California Democratic Convention, the Orange County congresswoman instead found herself using the opportunity to backtrack.

Sanchez apologized for “offensive” comments and gesture she made a day earlier when she attempted to explain the difference between American Indians and people whose ancestors were from India by putting her hand over her mouth and mimicking a war cry.

“In this crazy and exciting rush of meetings yesterday, I said something offensive and for that I sincerely apologize,” said Sanchez, D-Santa Ana, who then noted people may be unaware that she is part American Indian on her mother’s side.

Her comments brought a close to the year’s largest gathering of Democrats at the Anaheim Convention Center, where the U.S. Senate race was the most talked about campaign, even before videos of Sanchez’s controversial comments began spreading on social media.

Sanchez entered the U.S. Senate race Thursday, challenging state Attorney General Kamala Harris to replace retiring Sen. Barbara Boxer.

At least two videos being shared on social media show Sanchez surrounded by fellow democrats while describing a meeting with someone who she said described themselves as Indian American on the phone.

Rep. Loretta Sanchez rushes between events at the California Democratic Convention in Anaheim on Saturday. Rep. Loretta Sanchez rushes between events at the California Democratic Convention in Anaheim on Saturday. Photo: Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press Photo: Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press Image 1 of / 4 Caption Close Senate candidate Loretta Sanchez sorry for ‘offensive’ remark 1 / 4 Back to Gallery

“I’m going to his office thinking I’m going to meet with …” she said then put her hand over her month and mimicked a war cry. “Right? Because he said Indian American. I go in there and it was great. Just great.”

At a press conference Sunday, Sanchez refused to answer any additional questions regarding the incident, which took place at a party caucus reception Saturday and immediately became the talk of the convention.

Political insiders said they weren’t surprised that Sanchez would stumble days after announcing her bid. She is known for her spirited and somewhat quirky personality. She scheduled a fundraiser during the 2000 Democratic National Convention at the Playboy mansion before moving the event when fellow Democrats protested.

Her wacky and sometimes flirtatious Christmas cards have become legendary in political circles.

“Loretta Sanchez is the crazy aunt of the Democratic Party,” said Democratic strategist Steve Maviglio. “She’s been known to say crazy things. But, what you see is what you get.”

Harris, who announced her candidacy in January and has raised $2.5 million, was featured during the convention’s main lineup of speakers on Saturday, where she was met with a cheering crowd holding campaign signs. On Sunday, Harris’ campaign said the attorney general thought it was right for Sanchez to apologize.

During her Sunday speech, Sanchez criticized people who “hid behind the handlers,” a dig likely intended for Harris, whose supporters helped spread videos showing the congresswoman making the offensive gesture.

“It’s hard to put yourself out there and to do what leaders need to do day in and day out,” Sanchez said. “And yes, sooner or later we make mistakes because you know what, we are all humans. But that is the only way we truly connect with people. You cannot change the world from behind a desk.”

This story was updated since it appeared in print editions.

Melody Gutierrez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MelodyGutierrez