The Fresno County Democratic Central Committee has not endorsed any candidate in this race.
The CDP Chair’s race has seen sprints to claim labels like “progressive” and “grassroots” or to characterize support through the lens of identity politics.
When it comes to the candidates, as Democrats, there’s not a dramatic difference in our policy views – except on issues like a fracking ban, Prop 61, and Prop 13 reform (to name a few).
The substantive difference is how we see the CDP’s role and its priorities.
I believe the CDP should hire organizers, not build an institute. I believe the CDP should invest in people, not media buys. I believe the CDP should diversify its income portfolio to include individuals, not corporate special interest.
I believe the CDP should hold up our Party platform as our guiding document, not provide political cover. I believe the CDP should build training programs, not cultivate lobbyists. I believe the CDP should direct our collective activism to win elections on the ground, not take orders from state legislators.
Let me be clear: I fully understand the critical operational role the Party plays in electing Democrats, not just across the state, but up-and-down the ballot.
And I would also offer this: in today’s changed political landscape, the California Democratic Party cannot afford to only be about elections.
To really win at the ballot box moving forward, it also has to be about winning hearts and minds. About creating a place for people who want to dedicate their time, talent and treasure to advance our collective values of fairness and justice and equity for everyone.
In this unique moment, we have an opportunity within the California Democratic Party to create what so many people are searching for – not just a house, but a home.
A place to heal and come together; a place to be seen and heard; a place to do the good work on behalf of the people; a place to harness energy for maximum electoral impact while also creating a sense of family.
Today, the California Democratic Party stands at a crossroads. And the time has come for us to choose which way we want to go.
I hope you’ll choose to join me in recommitting this Party to truly being the Party of the people, and in the process, redefine what it means to be a Democrat.
Democratically yours,
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