Author’s Note: For years I’ve fought for staunch conservatives to lead my state’s GOP. This has been futile and I’ve come to realize that RINOs in office can do more good than conservatives on the sidelines watching Democrats make policy. I’ve concluded that the path to getting conservatives in office begins with helping “palatable” Republicans defeat Democrats first. We’ll focus on getting America First patriots into office here when circumstances allow it. In the meantime, I’m forced to choose the lesser of two evils.
In the Golden State, where Hollywood glamour meets Silicon Valley innovation, the political landscape often feels like a battleground between extremes. But amid the noise, a quieter truth emerges: moderate California Republicans are increasingly aligning with the everyday concerns of ordinary Californians, while many Democrat politicians veer toward radical policies that alienate the very people they claim to represent. This isn’t about party loyalty—it’s about practicality, common sense, and putting people over ideology.
California faces real challenges: skyrocketing housing costs, rising crime rates, failing public schools, and an economy strained by overregulation. Moderate Republicans, often dismissed as “RINOs” (Republicans In Name Only) by conservatives in Middle America, are stepping up with solutions that resonate with the state’s diverse population. Their stances may not align perfectly with staunch conservative principles, but they’re a far cry from the leftist insanity coming from Sacramento today.
Take housing, for example. The state’s homelessness crisis has ballooned under decades of Democrat dominance, with tent cities becoming a fixture in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Moderate Republicans like Assemblyman James Gallagher advocate for streamlining building permits and reducing burdensome environmental reviews to increase affordable housing supply—policies that directly address the needs of working families squeezed out of the market.
Contrast that with radical Democrats, who push for measures like rent control expansions and “housing as a human right” mandates that sound noble to bleeding heart liberals but often exacerbate shortages by discouraging new development. Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration has poured billions into homelessness programs, yet the problem persists, with critics pointing to a lack of accountability and an overemphasis on social services without enforcement of anti-camping laws. It’s a classic case of corruption clothed in “good intentions” that pave the road to inefficiency, leaving everyday Californians—teachers, nurses, and small business owners—frustrated and underserved.
On public safety, the divide is even starker. After the George Floyd protests, radical elements within the Democrat party championed “defund the police” movements, leading to budget cuts in major cities and softer approaches to crime, such as Proposition 47, which reclassified certain felonies as misdemeanors. The result? A surge in shoplifting, car thefts, and smash-and-grab robberies that have made neighborhoods feel unsafe.
Education is another arena where moderate Republicans shine. California’s public schools rank near the bottom nationally in math and reading proficiency, despite high per-pupil spending. Radical Democrats have prioritized controversial curricula, including expansive gender identity education and ethnic studies mandates that some parents view as divisive. Meanwhile, moderate Republicans like State Senator Brian Dahle support school choice initiatives, voucher programs, and charter school expansions to empower parents and improve outcomes. This approach puts power back in the hands of families, not bureaucrats in Sacramento.
Economically, the story repeats. California’s high taxes and regulatory maze have driven businesses and residents to flee to states like Texas and Florida. Radical Democrats double down on green energy mandates and wealth taxes that burden the middle class, while moderate Republicans propose tax relief for small businesses and incentives for job creation in underserved areas. It’s no coincidence that in recent polls, a growing number of independents and even some Democrats express support for these pragmatic ideas.
Of course, not all Democrats in California are radicals, and not all Republicans are moderate. But in a state where Democrats hold supermajorities in the legislature, the radical wing always sets the agenda, leading to policies like high-speed rail boondoggles that cost billions with little to show. Moderate Republicans, though outnumbered, offer a counterbalance that’s closer to the pulse of the people—focusing on fiscal responsibility, personal freedom, and opportunity for all.
As California heads into future elections, voters should look beyond labels. Moderate Republicans aren’t trying to turn back the clock; they’re fighting for a future where policies are palatable to centrist and left-leaning Californians, not just the ideologically pure. In a state as dynamic as ours, that’s the kind of leadership we need to thrive. It’s time to recognize that true progress comes from the center, not the fringes.