Delegates
What is a CADEM Delegate?
Delegates are representatives who serve on the Democratic State Central Committee (DSCC), which is the governing body of the California Democratic Party (CADEM).
Delegates serve a two-year term and represent their local communities by voting on:
Official candidate endorsements for statewide, legislative, and congressional races.
The party's official positions on state ballot measures and resolutions.
The election of California Democratic Party leadership and officers.
The Four Types of Delegates
The party is made up of delegates from four main pathways:
County Committee Delegates
Grassroots members elected directly by local voters in their home districts.
Members chosen by Democratic elected officials or top-performing candidates.
Assembly District Delegates (ADEM)
Appointed Delegates
Leadership Delegates
Current party officers, regional directors, and leaders of chartered statewide organizations.
Members chosen by local county committees (like the Placer County Democratic Central Committee).
Becoming an ADEM Grassroots Delegate
If you want to run for a delegate slot without being an elected official or party insider, the Assembly District Election Meetings (ADEM) are your pathway. Every two years, each of California’s 80 Assembly Districts elects 14 delegates (7 self-identified female and 7 other-than-self-identified female).
Who Can Run?
To be a candidate, you must meet three simple requirements:
Be registered to vote as a Democrat in your specific Assembly District.
File an application with CADEM during the winter filing window (December).
Pay a small filing fee (usually around $40), which can be waived if you request a financial hardship waiver.
How Voting Works
ADEM elections take place in January/February of odd-numbered years (immediately following a major November election).
Registration: Voters must register in advance with the state party to participate.
Voting Methods: You can register to vote either online (by mail-in ballot) or in person at designated voting locations.
Campaigning: Candidates are encouraged to build digital flyers, form "slates" with other local candidates, and speak at local Democratic club meetings to gather votes.
What to Expect if You Win
Being a delegate is a volunteer position. You will be expected to pay annual party dues (waivers are available) and cover your own travel and lodging to attend the annual California Democratic State Convention, which alternates between Northern and Southern California.
Ready to Make a Difference?
The filing period for 2027-2029 Assembly District Delegates will open early December 2026. I'm recruiting progressive Democrats who are ready to push progress forward within the Party.
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