ENDORSEMENT: Let’s change the direction of the state Democratic Party

You can vote for progressive candidates to set policy at the state party level. Here are our choices

The Democratic Party seems paralyzed by Donald Trump. Too many national leaders are backing away from organizing against the Trump agenda, fearing retribution or electoral failure.

But as Sen. Bernie Sanders put it in a recent statement:

Many of us are angry and frustrated at a Democratic Party establishment that continues to turn its back on the needs of working people. But our job now is not to look back, but to look forward.

Let me be clear. One of the tools that the Oligarchs use to maintain their position of power is to make it appear that real change is impossible, and opposition is useless. They have the power. Ain’t nothing we can do about it. That’s the way it is and always will be. Give up trying.

The California Democratic Party is at a crossroads. Sure, Gov. Gavin Newsom is challenging Trump on some level—but he’s not talking about economic inequality or challenging our California oligarchs. Even so-called Progressive members of Congress like Rep. Rho Khanna are dismissing the idea that Silicon Valley wealth and power needs to be contained and reduced.

That’s why it’s critical that serious progressives, who care about an agenda that can effectively challenge Trump and the oligarchs, have a role, possibly even a defining role, in the state Democratic Party.

Decisions on party platforms and endorsements are made by delegates elected every two years by registered Democrats who vote by Assembly district. In the recent past, these elections were largely dominated by the more cautious, moderate slates supported by politicians like Scott Wiener, Matt Haney, and David Chiu. They had the money to organize and turn out voters, often bussing them into polling places.

But since COVID, it’s possible to vote online—and any Democrat can register here for an online ballot by Jan. 31.

We are endorsing a progressive slate in both AD 17 and AD 19. The candidates have pledged to move the Democratic Party back to its roots, as a party of the working people, not the oligarchs and the rich.

It’s easy to get a ballot. It’s easy to vote. Please: If you are a registered Democrat, sign up (you can also still vote in person) and vote for the following candidates:

AD17: Virginia Cheung, Gloria Berry, Isabella Hill, Sierra Fischer, Venecia Margarita, Cheryl Thornton, Anbo “Vivian” Wei, Brad Chapin, Vincent Crisostomo, Justin Dolezal, Nick Ferris, Joshua Rudy Ochoa, Victor Smith, Peter Stevens

AD19: Wendy Aragón, Angelica Campos, Theresa Faapuaa, Leah LaCroix, Danielle McVay, Susan Pfeifer, Kalimah Salahuddin, Isaiah Clark, Graham Isom, Dana Johnson, Nick Parker, Arthur Barry Persyko