As I mentioned a few days ago, my wife and I decided to attend the California Democratic Party (CDP) Convention in Anaheim. We’ve skipped these events in the past for a variety of reasons, but armed with the opportunity to vote out Rusty Hicks, we were willing to swallow the $250 per person cost in hopes of making the change we’ve been advocating for years.

Note: If you wondering why I advocated for the removal of Hicks, click here.

At the risk of sounding like a clickbait headline: you won’t believe what I saw.

Inside the convention, it was business as usual. The establishment was schmoozing, and parading figures like Adam Schiff and Cory Booker—more concerned with their ties to the powerful than with addressing the real issues facing Californians. Outside, however, the people were calling for real change—standing up for justice in Gaza, pushing for affordable healthcare, and advocating for a future where everyone can thrive, not just survive.

Then, when given the opportunity to vote for someone, anyone, who would put the CDP on a better path, roughly 65% of ~2300 voters decided the status quo was the best path forward.  Again, people are literally looking for ANY signs of life from the Democratic Party, and a huge chunk of the most hardcore Dems decided “Nah!”

To state the obvious, Rusty Hicks retained his seat.  My choice, Alan Vargas came in second with 25% of the vote.

A few highlight votes for Hicks:

• Nancy Pelosi
• Eleni Kounalakis
• Shirley N. Weber
• Malia Cohen
• Fiona Ma
• Robert Bonta
• Raul Ruiz
• Ted Lieu
• Mark Takano
• Toni Atkins
• Kyle Krahel-Frolander
• Ross Pike (Acting SDCDP Chair)
• Joy Silver

This disconnect is exactly why the Democratic Party is struggling to respond to the MAGA threat and very much puts 2026 and beyond in jeopardy. The energy for change is outside the convention walls—in the streets, in the grassroots movements, and in the hearts of the people. Yet, the party seems more concerned with maintaining their own power and appeasing corporate donors than listening to those on the ground.

But what’s the point when the organization they lead is a complete joke?  But it’s built to be this way.

As I mentioned in the beginning… I paid $250 to be there.  My wife did the same.  This isn’t exactly pocket change for us, and I am not about to even consider using campaign funds for this.  We also live reasonably nearby.  An hour’s drive.  But I can’t help but think about those less fortunate who could not attend.  Do their voices not matter because they could not make the trek?

It’s not lost on me that the CDP advocates for easy access to the ballot for public elections, such as the race in CA-48.  But when it comes to choosing their leadership?  Not so fucking fast.

Either be there in person, find a proxy, or GFY.

This isn’t good leadership with good intentions.  This is people bending election rules in whatever way suits them best in the moment.

Furthermore, I have heard multiple rumors, from people I trust, that certain delegates were targetted, harrassed and intimidated to make sure they voted for a specific outcome.  Releasing the votes, which I DO generally agree with, was used as a weapon of intimidation.

This goes back to why I’m running for CA-48. I’m not afraid to challenge the status quo, and I’m certainly not going to  back down and ignore the needs of the people.  I AM aggressive, and I will absolutely fight for the change we need to not only push back on MAGA, but far more importantly, to give people tangible results that can drive long term faith in government.

Finally, with all due respect to the other candidates in this primary, this is not the time for wide-eyed wonder at a broken, rigged, classist process.  This race, and the larger fight to come require strength, resolve, and a willingness to say no to the status quo, for the good of our community.