At the California Democratic Party’s annual convention this weekend, key figures like Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and New Jersey Senator Cory Booker addressed about 4,000 delegates and guests. They gathered at the Anaheim Convention Center to discuss the party’s recent electoral challenges and strategize for upcoming elections.
In the wake of significant losses in the 2024 elections, party members are grappling with how to reconnect with voters, especially working-class Americans. Governor Walz, who is seen as a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election, emphasized the need for the party to confront its failures. He remarked, “We’re in this mess because some of it’s our own doing.” He called for open discussions about the hard truths of electoral losses and the necessity for bold policies that truly impact people’s lives.
Walz pointed out that while the Democratic Party should uphold its core values, like protecting vulnerable groups, it must also demonstrate its ability to enact substantial changes rather than just incremental ones. He noted that the party lost significant support from working-class voters in the last election, which he described as a "primal scream" for action.
Senator Booker also urged the party to remember its history of fighting for civil rights and social safety nets. He pointed out that real change often comes from grassroots movements rather than from Washington, D.C. He stated, “The power of the people is greater than the people in power.”
Vice President Kamala Harris, who is considering a run for governor in 2026 and is also viewed as a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election, addressed the convention via video. Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom, another possible presidential contender, did not attend the event.
Delegates expressed concerns about whether California’s progressive policies would resonate nationally. Some, like delegate Jane Baulch-Enloe, questioned if a California Democrat could win a presidential election, citing perceptions of the state as out of touch. She emphasized the need for the party to better communicate its values and policies to a broader audience.
While the focus of the convention was on the upcoming midterm elections, delegates are hopeful that Democrats can regain control of Congress to counter former President Trump’s agenda. Aref Aziz, a leader in the party’s Asian American Pacific Islander caucus, highlighted the importance of sharpening the party’s economic messaging to appeal to voters across the spectrum.
As the convention wrapped up, it was clear that California Democrats are not just looking back at past failures but are also eager to forge a path forward. The discussions and speeches reflected a commitment to both progressive ideals and the practical needs of voters, setting the stage for the challenges ahead.