I will attend the California Democratic Party (CDP) Convention for the first time this weekend as a delegate, and I want to make one thing crystal clear—I’m not attending to shake hands and kiss ass. Quite the opposite.  I’m going for a single purpose, on a single afternoon, to do my part to assure that change in the California Democratic Party happens at every level.

Rusty Hicks is everything that’s wrong with politics today. A former labor leader who sold out to corporate lobbyists, suppressed voices of dissent, and failed to deliver real change to the people who need it most. Even worse, in the midst of our recent election cycle against MAGA, Hicks chose to run for another seat, dividing his time as CDP Chair in the process. 

And that’s why I will be going to Anaheim on Saturday.  As a delegate, my sole purpose at this convention is to vote to remove and replace Rusty Hicks. Here’s why:

1. Silencing Dissent: The Party of “Sit Down and Shut Up”
   When Palestinian protesters stood up at the 2023 convention to demand a ceasefire in Gaza, what did Hicks do? He silenced them instead of listening. He threatened disciplinary action against those speaking out, choosing to protect the party line rather than the voices of the people. That’s not leadership—that’s cowardice. Hicks is more interested in maintaining control than in fostering the kind of democratic debate we need.
2. Corporate Cash Over Working Families
   Hicks is deeply tied to corporate interests. Just look at his relationship with police unions and corporate lobbyists. He’s willing to take millions from those who profit off our suffering, all while ignoring the people who are struggling for basic necessities like affordable healthcare and a living wage. He stands for the highest bidder, not for the people.
3. Killing CalCare for All
   AB 1400 (CalCare for All) was a chance to guarantee universal healthcare for every Californian. Instead of standing up for the people, Hicks chose to sell out to the insurance lobby, ensuring the bill would die. For a donation from the insurance lobby, Hicks helped kill a plan that could’ve saved lives and secured a basic human right for every Californian. That’s not just a poor decision—that’s a betrayal of every single person struggling to afford healthcare.

Here’s the bottom line:

The California Democratic Party is long overdue for a revolution, and I’m not afraid to take the fight to them. We need leadership that isn’t afraid to break free of oligarch control and build it back for the people. I know the only way to improve this country is to take the fight everywhere where power has been corrupted. 

Finally, because complaining about a problem is only half the battle, later this week I will unveil my choice for CDP chair.  My sole criteria: who gives us the best chance for substantiative change?  Who can I partner with to assure that ALL our people have the best chance to thrive?

See you in Anaheim…