California Republicans are poised to gain three seats in the state legislature — marking the first election in 10 years that Republicans have gained seats.
Despite their moderate gains, Republicans will continue to be fighting an uphill battle as Democrats hold supermajorities in both chambers of the state legislature, giving them nearly unstoppable power over legislation.
VOTERS SEND HISTORY-MAKING CANDIDATES TO CONGRESS
But by picking up two open seats in the Latino-majority districts of Imperial County and Inland Empire and ousting a Democrat incumbent in Orange County, Republicans see a silver lining to their predicament, as well as a path to regaining a voice in the state legislature.
California GOP Vice Chairwoman Corrin Rankin is taking up the charge to lead the state GOP as it prepares for an open governor’s election in 2026.
In an op-ed for the Daily Breeze, Rankin pointed out how Californians’ support of Proposition 36, which enacted stricter penalties for crime, and the pickup of two seats in the assembly and one in the Senate, and President-elect Donald Trump gaining eight counties that supported President Joe Biden in 2020 shows constituents are growing weary of Democratic policies.
“This year also highlighted the incredible leadership of President Donald Trump,” Rankin said. “Not only did he secure reelection, but he did so with a historic popular vote victory. His bold vision for America and commitment to putting our country first energized Republicans nationwide and in California.”
Trump’s improvement in California is greatly attributed to working-class Latino voters disgruntled with the high costs of living, and Rankin hopes to home in on this population by adopting Florida’s model of growing community grassroots leadership to appeal directly to constituents.
Rankin also pointed to the importance of fundraising if the party is going to be successful. Republican candidates Jeff Gonzalez in Imperial County and Leticia Castillo in Inland Empire both won in spite of the Democratic Party outspending them in the campaign.
Rankin is looking to bolster fundraising for competitive districts “by moving to a sustainable, year-round revenue model.”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Rankin is seeking to engage directly with constituents through voter registration initiatives and establishing ambassadors of the party to engage via social media and in-person with voters.
Elections for the state GOP leader will occur during the convention in March. If elected, Rankin will succeed Jessica Millan Patterson.
