The state GOP recently re-captured the mayor’s office in San Diego and took the mayor’s office and two city council seats in San Bernardino. The party also won a key state Senate seat in a special election last year.
GOP political consultant Mike Madrid said it’s a good sign for the party.
“I think it’s too early to suggest that there’s some sort of Republican renaissance," he said. "But I do think it’s a sign that perhaps the worst of the dark ages may be behind us.”
Madrid said the San Diego and San Bernardino races were two of the biggest prizes the party could capture this year. But he notes local races are generally non-partisan. He says Republicans still have a problem on the state level, where candidate names are listed along with party affiliation. That tends to hurt the GOP in a state where only 29 percent of registered voters are Republicans.
Democrats believe they still have an edge in general elections with high voter turnout.
Capitol Coverage
Bill Allowing Liens to Recover Unpaid Wages Passes California Legislative Committee
Wednesday, April 23, 2014California employees owed back wages would be able to place a lien on their former employer’s property under a bill that cleared the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee Wednesday.
Sec. of State Candidates Disagree on Fundraising Ban
Wednesday, April 23, 2014Four candidates for California’s Secretary of State covered issues from vote by mail elections to business licenses in a debate today. And they didn’t disagree on much.
Steinberg Orders Ethics Training For Senators, Staff
Wednesday, April 23, 2014Recent scandals in California's senate have put ethics in the spotlight and Capital Public Radio's Katie Orr spoke with former staffers to see what the discussion is like when no one is looking.
California Genetically Modified Food Labeling Bill Passes Senate Committee
Tuesday, April 22, 2014Any genetically modified food product sold in California would have to come labeled as such under a bill that passed a state Senate committee Tuesday.
Hound Hunting Ban Targeted For Repeal
Tuesday, April 22, 2014One of the biggest battles at the California state Capitol two years ago is back for another debate. Hunting groups want to repeal the ban on using dogs to hunt bears and bobcats.