Invitation to help take over the California Democratic Party

State Democratic Party delegates and supporters shout down future Sen. Adam Schiff inside the Sacramento convention last November.

More than ever, it’s an understatement to say we have an ambivalent relationship with the Democratic Party. How about working to take it over? 

Surely we all agree that its current iteration, especially after putting the Cheneys before the working class and ushering a wannabe fascist into power, really sucks. But look what the MAGAs did to the Republicans. Can a dedicated group do it to the Democrats? Successful or not, just trying hard could shake things up for a subsequent stage of struggle.

I for one, like it that around the country, some of us find their strength lies in building non-electoral power, for instance through labor or tenant organizing. Others put energy into creating electoral choices outside the two branches of capitalist politics. And some see fit to fight our battles in the Democratic Party, not out of any loyalty to it but from seeing it as a vehicle for struggle over the hearts and minds of our neighbors and co-workers. Can we condemn and challenge its corrupt, corporate obeisance as we help grow the small but dedicated corps of Democratic socialists and allies in Congress and in state and local offices?

A Robust Progressive Caucus

Here in California, the state Democratic Party (CDP) runs quasi-democratic elections for two-thirds of its Central Committee (CC), the 3,300+ member body that holds annual conventions, endorses candidates for office (or not), elects party leaders, debates and passes platform amendments, resolutions and positions on legislation and ballot measures. 

Make no mistake: there is autocracy aplenty within these processes – for instance, the party chair appoints all committee members, chairs and co-chairs. But there’s a robust Progressive Caucus that includes many DSA members – and a number of other caucuses and statewide groupings that also push left. Similar dynamics exist at the county level, where most (county) Central Committee members are elected on the presidential-year primary ballot – any registered Democrat can vote – and sending locals to fill a third of the state CC. 

Another third comprises party pooh-bas, elected officials and their appointees. And the last third will be determined in February 2025, in biannual ADEMs (Assembly District Election Meetings). Fourteen people (seven “self-identified female” and seven “other than self-identified female”) are chosen from each AD (there are 80). The highest vote-getter wins a seat on the Executive Board. 

Over the years, quite a few DSA members have run successfully, then sometimes caucused on their own at conventions as well as with the party’s Progressive Caucus. I myself was elected three times through ADEMs and will now start my second four-year term as an elected member of the Sacramento County CC, and therefore, of the state CC too.

Historically, ADEMs were held in person on January weekends; you had to show up to vote. Since COVID, they evolved first into mail ballots in 2021 and this time, mostly online voting. To vote you must register specifically for ADEMs, and also be registered D on the regular voter rolls. There will be an in-person option – at least one time/place in every district Feb. 22 or 23, where those requirements can still be met on the spot.

Candidates, however, need to declare by early January – and they must have been (and remain) a registered Democrat as of Nov. 5. For nerds who want to read all the rules (and ponder some ambiguities), see https://cadem.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2025-ADEM-Procedures__Memo.pdf

Key to success:  creating slates

Though candidates register and appear on the ballot only as individuals, the key to success is by creating slates of 14 (or as close to that as possible), then cajoling everyone you know in the district to vote for the whole bloc. It’s a low-turnout election because of the extra steps required, so every one of those votes can really count. 

A group of veterans of past ADEMs has taken on the task of getting the word out now to potential candidates – and others who may not want or be able to run but are willing to help create diverse, politically reliable slates in their district – and maybe nearby ones. Such local involvement will be crucial. 

We ask anyone interested to read our information sheet and the policy platform we have drafted. We are appropriating the name Progressive Delegates Network from a similar group that endorsed individuals in 2021 and 2023 but did not get involved in creating slates. Then, please submit the form we have created and are using to vet aspiring candidates, put them in touch with each other and work together to form optimal slates. 

Please submit the form ASAP so we can proceed; you can decide to back off later if you decide not to run – and in any event, you can still help with slate-building and campaigning.

I’m available to discuss with any interested comrades or answer questions: dlmandel@gmail.com; 916 769-1641