I attended the California Democratic Party Endorsing Convention as an Assembly District Delegate
I attended the California Democratic Party Endorsing Convention as an Assembly District Delegate
I attended the California Democratic Party Endorsing Convention as an Assembly District Delegate. This convention was primarily to vote on potential endorsements for statewide and legislative races.
The Party is not ready to accept the next generation of leaders or take bold stances. Here's my thoughts.
1. Sen. Schiff spoke and called out the Democratic victories across the country, like Virginia Gov. Spanberger. You know who he didn't mention? That's right; the most popular recently elected democratic politician right now: Zohran Mamdani.
2. There was drama for the endorsing causus of CD-7. 81-year-old Rep. Doris Matsui, whose held office for over 20 years, was surprise endorsed by Nancy Pelosi who interrupted the endorsing caucus (allegedly against the rules since the caucus is only for CD7 residents), with Matsui ultimately receiving the endorsement. Mai Vang - Sacramento Council member and youthful challenger, challenged the decision but is was denied.
3. There was controversy on the party platform. Mysteriously, many words, sentences, and in one instance, entire segments of the platform were removed from the 2026 platform that were in place in the 2024 platform. I have not heard enough information to know why exactly this happened, but I think it's clear that powerful people had a say with some of these attempted changes.
3. Given Pelosi's long-awaited retirement, much of the convention was about our "Forever Speaker." Pelosi deserves recognition and credit for past achievements, but the Party needs to look forward - NOW.
4. Many of the statewide candidates claimed to support policies like CalCare or getting ICE out of CA, despite many of the candidates presently sitting in an elected position in California. Where is that action now?
5. I voted no endorsement for Governor and Lt. Governor. The weaker candidates will need to drop out and the voters will decide in the Primary - like it should be anyway. And no, there's not going to be a Republican Governor.
But make no mistake: The only way to make change within the Democratic Party is for people like you and me to get and stay involved.