Eric Bauman, a prominent figure in California’s Democratic politics, passed away on Monday at the age of 66. His family announced that he died at UCLA West Valley Medical Center after a long illness.
Bauman was born in the Bronx to an Army doctor and a registered nurse. He moved to Hollywood just before turning 18 and became a nurse himself. It was in a hospital cafeteria during a night shift in the early 1980s that he met his husband, Michael Andraychak, who is also a nurse. Together, they shared a life for over 42 years.
Bauman’s political journey began in earnest during the AIDS crisis, which motivated him to become involved with the Stonewall Democratic Club in Los Angeles. He became the club’s president in 1994 and later took the helm of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party from 2000 to 2017. Under his leadership, the party grew significantly, increasing its annual budget from $50,000 to $1.5 million and helping to elect Democrats at all levels of government.
Known for his straightforward style, Bauman earned a reputation as a tough party boss. He was often compared to actor Ray Liotta and was affectionately dubbed the “Godfather of Democratic politics.” In 2017, he made history by becoming the first openly gay and first Jewish chair of the California Democratic Party. His election was closely contested, winning by just 62 votes after a divisive campaign.
Bauman’s time as party chair was marked by significant achievements, particularly during the 2018 midterm elections. California Democrats flipped seven congressional seats and regained a supermajority in the state legislature. He advocated for changes to the state’s primary election system, arguing that Democrats should select their candidates without costly primary battles.
However, his career took a downturn in late 2018 when allegations of misconduct surfaced. Reports indicated that Bauman had made crude comments and engaged in inappropriate behavior towards party staff. Following these allegations, he resigned, citing health issues and a need for treatment. The California Democratic Party later paid over $380,000 to settle a lawsuit from several of his accusers.
After stepping back from public life, Bauman returned to the spotlight as a radio host for “The UnCommon Sense Democrat” on KCAA-AM. He had previously worked for various political figures, including Governor Gray Davis and several Assembly speakers.
Bauman leaves behind his husband, Michael, and his father and sister. His impact on California politics, particularly within the Democratic Party, will be remembered as both significant and controversial.