Three weeks ago Californians took to the polls to cast their votes in primary elections. The result was commanding Republican victories in districts across the state. Observers noted the impressive, and some said surprising, number of Republican candidates moving forward to compete on the November ballot, many who will be challenging Democrats in key legislative seats.
The outcome of Republican candidates isn’t a mistake and shouldn’t come as a surprise. The victories are largely the outcome of renewed efforts and collaboration among the state’s Republican leaders to identify and train quality candidates to challenge Democrats, restore GOP representation in Sacramento and fend off the Democrat supermajority.
I’m very pleased with the election results. Not only did I finish in the top two, but I came in first and outperformed Republican registration numbers in my district. The other three Democrat candidates combined spent more than $1 million, and that doesn’t include the millions pouring in from outside groups. I credit California Trailblazers for training me to run a successful campaign.
California Trailblazers is leading the statewide charge to recruit, train and elect strong Republican leaders to legislative office. As a candidate in the 16th Assembly District, I can confidently assert that the resources provided by California Trailblazers strengthened my candidacy and positioned me for victory on Election Day.
I am one of the candidates enrolled in the Trailblazers program who has received the distinction of ‘Pathfinder’ and won their primary. Other ‘Pathfinder’ and ‘Rising Stars’ moving on include Supervisor Janet Nguyen (SD 34), Young Kim (AD 65), Rudy Mendoza (AD 26), Bonnie Garcia (SD 28) and others. I’m proud of the group Trailblazer candidates, who collectively represent the new face of the California Republican Party. We reflect both the state’s diversity as well as the opportunity for Republicans to regain seats in the legislature.
In collaboration with Republican legislative leaders, California Trailblazers ensures candidates are equipped with the resources and network needed to develop strong campaign operations through comprehensive campaign support, access to effective grassroots outreach training, digital communications, fundraising and more. These elements are critical to the success of any campaign.
Recently, California Trailblazers hosted candidates at a daylong training where they learned practical skills from campaign experts and professionals. Republican leaders Connie Conway and Jim Brulte, among others, were on hand to offer their guidance and words of encouragement as we fight on to win in November. The program doesn’t stop at training.
California Trailblazers rewards quality candidates as they rise through the ranks of its three-tier program by providing significant financial resources. Two weeks ago, Trailblazers hosted candidates at a reception where they awarded more than $135,000 in financial contributions from state legislators and other donors to candidates who have achieved ‘Pathfinder’ and ‘Rising Star’ status. Party leaders are working hard to provide candidates with the training, and financial resources, to win.
Similar to education and professional development opportunities, providing political resources and opportunities to candidates is critical to continue to develop up-and-coming Republican talent with the goal of successfully electing, retaining and advancing GOP representation and interests in the state legislature.
For more information about California Trailblazers, please visit www.catrailblazers.com. Follow @CaTrailblazers.
Baker is a candidate for the 16th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Alamo, Danville, Dublin, Lafayette, Livermore, Moraga, Orinda, Pleasanton, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek.