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
Proposed Bill Would Regulate Medical Marijuana Industry
Monday, March 10, 2014(AP) -- A proposed bill could bring law and order to the wild west of weed.
California Bill Would Require Smartphone Anti-Theft Devices
Friday, March 07, 2014All smartphone and mobile devices sold in California would have to come equipped with an anti-theft kill switch under a bill now in the legislature.
Gift Ban Proposed for California Lawmakers
Thursday, March 06, 2014Citing the need to restore public trust in the California legislature, Senate Democrats today announced new legislation meant to reduce the influence of lobbyists at the Capitol.
Unfunded Liability For Retiree Health Care Grows
Thursday, March 06, 2014The present cost of health and dental benefits expected to be paid to future and current California retirees is growing. It’s now $64 billion.
California Lawmaker Wants a Non-Partisan Secretary of State's Office
Thursday, March 06, 2014The California Secretary of State’s office would become non-partisan under a state lawmaker’s proposed constitutional amendment