As I officially step down as Republican Leader in the State Assembly, I am reflective and proud of all we have accomplished together as a caucus.
First, there are the political victories that I cherish so much. When I came in as leader, we had just come out of the 2020 redistricting where six of our members had been drawn into the same district, and three of our members had their districts drawn to favor Democratic challengers. Many were saying we would be lucky to come out with 15 members. We proved them wrong and won 18 seats! Then, in the ’24 cycle, we proved them wrong again by protecting every Republican incumbent and picking up two more seats in Latino-majority districts—the first time we had done so in a presidential election year since 1980. None of it was by accident. It was a coordinated, team-driven strategy to recruit great candidates, hammer a message, and get them the resources to win.
We also changed and, many times, drove the narrative in Sacramento. From greater penalties for human traffickers and fentanyl pushers to Prop 36, it was Republicans who led the way and forced the Democrats to change their policy. We pushed to lower costs and taxes and called them out when they raised them. We highlighted their out-of-touch policies. In sum, we were finally on offense, and the Democrats were on defense.
Even in the minority, we pushed the envelope and found ways to be successful. We punched far above our weight. And that is why I believe so wholeheartedly that this caucus will go on to do even greater things. The momentum and the issues are on our side. I’m laying down the mantle of leadership that others will pick up. The torch is passed on. And I am not done with the fight or this amazing team of Republican leaders. We will not stop until we turn this state around and get it back working for the people of California. California Deserves Better!
