Eric Bauman, a prominent figure in California’s Democratic Party, passed away on Monday at the age of 66 after a long illness. His family shared that he died at UCLA West Valley Medical Center.
Born in the Bronx to an Army doctor and a nurse, Bauman moved to Hollywood just before his 18th birthday. He became a nurse and met his husband, Michael Andraychak, during a late-night shift in a hospital cafeteria in the early 1980s. Their partnership lasted 42 years.
Bauman’s political journey began in the 1990s, motivated partly by the AIDS crisis. He became president of the Stonewall Democratic Club in Los Angeles in 1994. Under his leadership, the Los Angeles County Democratic Party grew significantly. From 2000 to 2017, he served as chairman, increasing the party’s budget from $50,000 to $1.5 million and helping Democrats win elections across various levels of government.
Known for his straightforward style, Bauman earned a reputation as an old-school party boss. He was often compared to actors like Ray Liotta and Joe Pesci. In 2017, he made history by becoming the first openly gay and Jewish chair of the California Democratic Party, winning a close election by just 62 votes.
His tenure peaked during the 2018 midterm elections when California Democrats flipped seven House seats and regained a supermajority in the state Legislature. Bauman aimed to reform the state’s primary system, advocating for a process where Democrats could choose their nominees without costly primary battles.
However, Bauman’s career was marred by allegations of misconduct. In late 2018, reports surfaced about his inappropriate behavior, including crude comments and unwanted physical contact. Following these allegations, he resigned, citing health issues and alcohol use. The California Democratic Party later settled a sexual misconduct lawsuit related to the claims for over $380,000.
After stepping back from public life, Bauman returned to the spotlight by hosting a radio show called “The UnCommon Sense Democrat” on KCAA-AM 1050.
Bauman is survived by his husband, Michael, and his father and sister, Richard and Roya Bauman. His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in California politics, where he played a crucial role in shaping the Democratic landscape.