Publisher’s Note: As part of an ongoing effort to bring original, thoughtful commentary to you here at the FlashReport, I am pleased to present this column from Jessica Patterson. Patterson is CEO of California Trailblazers. – Flash]
As someone who has worked in California and national politics for the last decade, I understand the challenges facing the Republican Party. I’ve experienced ups and downs, candidate triumphs and losses. With declining party registration and a lackluster GOP image, we all recognize we have a tough road ahead. But the opportunities for progress are limitless because we only have one place to go: up. There are bright spots and achievements to give us promise that California will enjoy a better path forward as more Republicans are elected to state legislative office.
The California Trailblazers program is one of those ‘bright spots.’ California Trailblazers is designed to recruit and train quality candidates to represent the Republican Party well, and not only for the next election cycle, but for the next generation.
California Trailblazers is modeled after the successful ‘Young Guns’ program, led by House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy. The program aims to ensure quality candidates are equipped, well-resourced and prepared to represent the GOP and run winning campaigns.
The California Trailblazers Board of Directors recently announced that 13 state Assembly and Senate candidates achieved ‘Pathfinder’ status, an important distinction and the first step in the program’s three-tier framework. ‘Pathfinder’ candidates demonstrate that they have exceeded fundraising goals, developed a firm campaign foundation and established a grassroots network, an active online presence and ongoing participation in the Trailblazers training workshops.
This diverse group of men and women embodies the next generation of Republican leaders. Each candidate boasts impressive credentials and enjoys strong ties to their communities. More importantly, each candidate reflects their unique district, its demographics, values and vision for California. This is critical as we emerge into the next chapter of the GOP playbook. The recent success of Kevin Faulconer in San Diego shows us that to achieve Republican success and win elections, we need to embrace candidates who champion republican principles, while also representing their districts.
Young Kim in Orange County is one of the ‘Pathfinder’ candidates who is blazing the trail and competing against a Democrat incumbent to win back Assembly District 65 for Republicans. In Los Angeles County, David Hadley, another ‘Pathfinder,’ is serving as a credible threat to a Democrat incumbent in Assembly District 66. ‘Pathfinder,’ Rudy Mendoza, has managed a farm and served as mayor of Woodlake. He understands the complex issues that face the central valley and is building the campaign infrastructure required to win the 26th Assembly District seat. In the Senate, Janet Nguyen and Bonnie Garcia are energizing voters and representing the next generation of California Republican leaders.
California Trailblazers continues to grow as a majority of Republican state Senate and Assembly candidates have joined and engaged in the program.
I’m proud of our Board of Directors, the support we’ve received from the donor community and the ongoing coordination and partnership with the state party and Assembly and Senate Republican leaders. I’m looking forward to a bright 2014 with elections on the horizon and momentum on our side. Together, we’ll continue guiding candidates as they engage voters and execute winning campaigns.
To learn more about candidates who have reached ‘Pathfinder’ status, visit CaTrailblazers.com.
Jessica Patterson is CEO of California Trailblazers. Previously, Patterson served as the statewide Field Director for Meg Whitman for Governor, California Victory Director in 2010 and 2012 with the California Republican Party, as well as Nevada Victory Director at the Republican National Committee.