News Summary
This weekend, California Democrats are gathering for a major convention with approximately 4,000 attendees. Key figures like Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Gavin Newsom are notably absent, raising questions about their commitment to the party ahead of the 2028 presidential election. While Harris is weighing a potential gubernatorial run in 2026, Newsom is attending another event. The convention will feature prominent speakers and discussions on pressing political issues as Democrats aim to unify their base for future elections.
Anaheim, California – Thousands of California Democrats are gathering this weekend for a multi-day convention, with approximately 4,000 delegates, activists, donors, labor leaders, and influential voices expected to attend. However, notable figures such as former Vice President Kamala Harris and California Governor Gavin Newsom will be absent from the event, raising questions about their commitment to the party and upcoming elections.
Both Newsom and Harris are seen as leading candidates for the 2028 presidential election, which likely influenced their decision to skip the convention. Harris is currently weighing her options regarding a potential run for California governor in 2026, with an announcement anticipated by the end of summer 2023. Although Harris has been invited to participate in the convention, she is expected to send a video greeting to attendees but did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Newsom, meanwhile, will attend a Democratic Governors’ Association event in Portland that coincides with the final day of the state party convention, but he has included a letter to the convention delegates in the program.
Darry Sragow, a Democratic strategist, observed that there may be little incentive for either leader to appear at the convention, as prominent California Democrats often face backlash from liberal delegates at these events. For instance, Newsom has stirred controversy recently with comments opposing transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports and has had interactions with conservative figures. Meanwhile, if Harris were to attend, she could potentially face backlash for being perceived as complicit in former President Biden’s cognitive decline during his term.
The delay in Harris’s decision regarding a governor run has also sparked criticism from varying factions within the party. Despite this, the convention will see the presence of many prominent Democrats who are expected to run for governor in 2026, all of whom are likely to attend the gathering. Official speakers at the convention include Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, and former State Controller Betty Yee, among others.
Additionally, key figures such as Toni Atkins, Xavier Becerra, Stephen J. Cloobeck, Katie Porter, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa are anticipated to engage with delegates throughout the weekend. Candidates will address party members in various caucus meetings focusing on issues related to labor, the environment, and the priorities of Latino and women voters. The convention will also provide opportunities for candidates to connect with donors.
The weekend will feature social events including a fireworks show, an ice cream social, and a themed party titled “Punk the System.” State party chairman Rusty Hicks is expected to secure reelection during the convention, reflecting on the challenges faced in previous electoral contests. In the prior election cycle, while the Democratic Party performed favorably in congressional races, there were notable losses in legislative seats and a concerning decline in turnout among Latino and young voters.
As California Democrats convene to strategize for the upcoming 2026 election, key discussions will address the major political challenges facing the party, including recent controversies surrounding budget proposals by Governor Newsom. The goal of the convention is to unify the electorate and build momentum heading into future elections while facilitating engagement among party members.
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Additional Resources
- ABC10: California Democratic Convention
- Sacramento Bee: Capitol Alert
- Los Angeles Times: Democratic Convention Insights
- Politico: Walz and the Democrats
- OC Register: Cory Booker at Convention
- Google Search: California Democratic Convention
- Wikipedia: California Democratic Party
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Political Party
- Google News: California Politics
