In a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans by a two-to-one margin, elections can seem like an exercise in futility.
This year may be different.
Across the Golden State, Republican candidates sense they're on the cusp of a breakthrough with an electorate that's increasingly frustrated by rising crime, housing prices and an economy on the brink.
And the first indicator that they may be right will come Tuesday, the day of California's primary elections. Unlike most states, the top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, move on to the general election.
Among the most bullish candidates is Dr. Cordie Williams.
A conservative running for the U.S. Senate, Williams rose to national prominence protesting California's draconian lockdown policies at the height of the pandemic.
Cordie felt Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) egregiously violated his 35 million constituents' rights at the beginning of the coronavirus crackdown.
As a chiropractor and former Marine, Cordie felt comfortable speaking at a rally in front of the California State Capitol following the first iteration of Newsom's COVID protocols. The happy warrior stood unflinchingly in front of a line of police officers.
WATCH:
Following two years of repeated frustrations and crises exacerbated by Newsom and his allies in the state legislature, other center-right candidates are optimistic, too.
In Los Angeles, ex-Republican Rick Caruso has a legitimate shot of winning the Democratic primary for mayor. Caruso, a pro-police moderate, changed his party affiliation to Democratic less than a month before filing to run for mayor of the overwhelmingly liberal city.
After Republicans gained three seats in the state's congressional delegation in 2020, including two in Greater Los Angeles, Democrats are hoping that the GOP has overextended itself. But with Republicans enjoying an eight-point lead in their bid to reclaim Congress, Democrats appear to have turned to the last refuge of the politically doomed: self-deception.
Of course, Republicans still have to vote.
The Desert Sun has more on the GOP's prospects ahead of tomorrow's primaries:
With ballots heading to voters in California's primary election this week, the candidates, including a few challenging Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta, consistently hammered state policies and blamed Democrats for their approaches to the state's most pressing issues.
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But while a Republican candidate has not won a statewide race in California since 2006, several of the speakers Monday were optimistic that 2022 could be a breakthrough year for GOP supporters in the deep-blue state.
“There's a time for a Republican to win this state, and it's this year,” said state Sen. Brian Dahle, a candidate for governor. “The wind is at our back.”
Cordie is running against Republican Mark Meuser in the blanket primary for U.S. Senate. Meuser unsuccessfully ran against then-California Secretary of State Alex Padilla in 2018, winning 35.5% of the vote to Padilla's 64.5%.
The Sacramento Bee describes Cordie's platform thusly:
Cordie Williams, a chiropractor and former Marine bases his conservative platform on medical freedom, parental rights and curbing government overreach, among other issues.
Watch Cordie's latest ad below:
So, what do you think? How optimistic are you about this year's midterms? As always, tell us in the comments below!
Ain’t gonna happen. California is to f’n gone.
Dream on. With all the Democrat support and endorsed ballot harvesting, the chance of a honest election is ZILCH!!
Fact is WE DID TURN STATE RED in 2030 election but were CHEATED OUT OF WIN BY FRAUD DEMOCRATS. EVERY DEMOCRAT WHO SWORE OATH IN 2020 FRAUD WIN ARE TRAITORS. ALL SHOULD FACE FIRING SQUAD WIYH NEWSOM.
Keep dreaming. The CA Democrats have enacted every feasible avenue for cheating on elections. The chance for an honest election, run by democrats, administered by democrats, and counted by democrats is absolutely ZILCH.
This article was too late to be helpful for voting. This came out the day before elections but we all vote early with mail-in ballots.
Commie Deamoncraps cheat. They have cheated their way into the WH.
if they don’t get more republicans in CA politics then kiss CA good bye because no one will visit CA will turn into the Mad Max where the gangs and drug runners rule
I’ll believe it when I see it. The fix is already in to make sure Democrats stay in control of California.
As long as Nancy has air in her lungs, CA will remain the cesspool the dems have created. Cheat, lie, and trample our constitution.
There’s just one tiny problem. They CHEAT,LIE & STEAL to win. And these criminals are never held accountable.
The only way to turn California is for republicans to vote the demonrats out, starting with Piglosi and newscum. No, I didn’t mis spell his name! Soros backs both of them, and buys elections. So, unless more republicans run for office, and win, californication will be a demonrat hellhole it is now! One would think people in California would be sick of them by now.