Thousands of California Democrats will meet this weekend to be courted by the governor and potential presidential candidates, insulting against the Trump administration, and organised for the 2026 election.
But the two most well-known Democrats in the state, former vice president Kamala Harris and government Gavin Newsson, will not attend a multi-day rally of around 4,000 party representatives, activists, donors, workers leaders and other powerful voices, according to sources accustomed to planning the event.
Their absence is noteworthy given speculation about their political future. Newsom and Harris are both considered potential presidential candidates for 2028. Harris can also jump into California’s 2026 governor race, and is expected to make a decision by the end of the summer.
Sources say they both were invited to the party convention in Anaheim. Harris is expected to send out the video greeting participants. Harris’ representatives did not respond to multiple requests for comments.
Newsom will be joining Democrat Governor ASSN. They will gather in Portland to coordinate efforts to combat Trump’s tariffs, the spokesman said. However, the rally will not begin until Sunday, the final day of the party convention. A letter from the governor to the representative is included in the convention program.
Veteran Democratic strategist Dary Saragou said there was little benefit to those who attend the rally.
“There’s no doubt that well-known and well-defined politicians like the governor and former vice president can meet mixed reactions,” he said. “If I had advised them, I’m honestly not sure if I could come up with the legitimacy of what they’d go. What’s the advantage?”
Prominent California Democrats routinely face backlash from liberal representatives in the party’s annual treaty. Anti-fracking advocates suspended a speech by former governor Jerry Brown about his support for the controversial oil extraction practices, and the late Senator Diane Feinstein was booed in her speech in support of the 1990 death penalty. Her then-declaration campaign transformed the latter into television ads aimed at more moderate voters of the era.
Newsmom, who once loved ones in such practices, could face similar fallout among party loyalists due to his recent statement that trans athletes are allowed to compete in women’s sports and his jokes with conservative heroes such as Steve Bannon and Charlie Kirk on his podcast.
If she is present, Harris could be criticized as an accomplice for hiding former President Biden’s allegations of cognitive decline.
But Harris has the luxury of time as he decides what to do next in her political career. However, Harris’ delay in making decisions about the governor’s contest was neglected by some Democrats who announced their nominees.
All prominent Democrats who have announced the governor’s run are expected to attend the treaty.
Lieutenant Colonel Eleni Kunarakis and Statesapto. Public Leader Tony Thurmond plays an official role as she is the party’s vice-chairman, and as former state controller Betty Yi, they currently work in the elected office.
Former Senate Speaker Pro Tem Toni Atkins, former U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Beterra, businessman Stephen J. Crubeck and former Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa will also captivate attendees.
Potential 2028 presidential candidate Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz and New Jersey Sen. Corey Booker will also be speaking to the California Democrats representative at the Anaheim Convention Center.
In addition to addressing representatives at caucus meetings such as the work, environment, Latino and women voters, candidates meet with donors and court activists throughout the weekend. Social gatherings include a Friday night fireworks show, ice cream socialising, and a party entitled “Punkza System,” hosted by state Democrats and powerful nurses and teachers lobbies.
Reading “Dance. Drinks. Anger for Democracy” and invitations to the meeting.
Candidates are also holding events. Yi serves a “healthy breakfast” and coffee on Saturday mornings. Billionaire Crubeck, who created his fortune in real estate and hospitality, plans a reception that night with the theme “Celebrating the Battle of California, Ca Dems.”
Longtime donors and fundraisers for Democrats and charity causes have never held elected positions. In his first introduction to party activists, Crubeck said he plans to focus on lessons learned from the 2024 election and encourage Democrats to deafen the needs of voters.
“The parties should work for everyone,” Crubeck said. “We cannot deal with special benefits or connected individuals only.”
Party chair Rusty Hicks said there is widespread hope of winning re-election at the convention, and California Democrats reflect last year’s election results, saying they think “some good and bad and ugly.”
The party defied national trends by playing hard in Congressional races, but it also unexpectedly lost legislative seats and reduced turnout among Latinos, Asian Americans and young voters, Hicks said.
“You can’t compete in targeted seats,” he said. “We have to compete in different ways everywhere. What happened in 24 years — the good and the bad — will let us know what our work is in 26 years.”
Sacramento staff writer Talyn Luna contributed to this report.
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