I spent the weekend (Friday 2/20/2026 through Sunday 2/23/2026) at the California Democratic Party’s (CADEM) 2026 endorsement convention. The goal of the convention was to officially endorse the candidates who will carry the Democratic banner into the 2026 campaign season. Unfortunately, the results were mixed. Nonetheless, I made the best of the situation, and managed to get lots done.
Day 1. The arrival.
I drove to San Francisco on Friday and met my Brother-In-Law, James, at Tadich Grill. Tadich Grill is California’s oldest continuously operating restaurant (est. 1849). We enjoyed a cocktail or two and some delicious food.
Afterwards, I checked into my hotel, and I got ready to register at the convention. James was still with me, so we discussed my shoe choice before heading out.
A stone’s throw from the hotel is John’s Grill. John’s Grill is a historic San Francisco steakhouse, established in 1908, and known for housing the actual Maltese Falcon used in the movie of the same name.
Like Tadich Grill, John’s Grill gave diners a generous chunk of actual San Francisco sourdough bread. The sourdough bread made in San Francisco is like no other bread in the world. Having lived away from that area since I graduated from Sonoma State University in 1984, it’s always a treat to taste it when I’m in the area.
In the convention hall
I checked in to the convention, received my credential, and then it was time to start doing the work I was elected to do.
I’d previously been contacted by ABC10 capitol reporter Jenny Huh about answering some questions. Of course I said “yes.” She recorded some of my answers to her questions. After my interview, I directed some fellow delegates to her as well. I managed to catch a glimpse of myself and other delegates on stories that were airing when I returned home.
Caucuses
Caucuses are organizations associated with CADEM but not officiallya part of CADEM. They usually serve specific issues or groups of people. Caucuses are open to ANY registered California democrat, not just delegates. The caucus meetings are normally held in the evening hours of convention Fridays and Saturdays.
Candidates for office attend these caucuses and are usually given 1 or two minutes to introduce themselves and to provide a thumbnail sketch of their campaign platform or focus. The goal of these visits is to gain interest from the people in attendance and possible support.
Friday evening, I attended the meeting of the Veterans Caucus. The Veterans Caucus is composed of veterans, veteran’s family members, and others interested in veterans issues. Several people in attendance were recognized for various accomplishments. Then candidates addressed the caucus.
Several candidates were veterans and several were proud family members. All the speakers recognized the need for our nation to provide for veterans in need. Most highlighted the reduction in funding of veteran benefit programs and re-iterated their support of our veterans.
Tuckered out
The convention normally offers several “hospitality suites” after the evening caucuses on Friday and Saturday nights. They are hosted by candidates and organizations seeking to gather support for issues or important legislative bills. There is often food and refreshment available. Some of the suites also have music playing making for a true “club experience” for convention attendees.
I’ve attended these hospitality suites in the past. But I guess I’m getting old. I had managed to get some cookies at a Dem Bingo event after the Veterans Caucus and by 10 PM, I was tuckered out. I walked back to my hotel and laid myself down for a good night’s rest.
Day 2. The work day.
The second day of an endorsing convention is one where you get to hear from various candidates for office in a variety of meetings. It’s the day where the CADEM standing committees meet to discuss their specific areas of concern. It’s also the day on which delegates will cast votes to endorse candidates for the offices in contention.
It’s a long day.
Breakfast is important
These conventions are held in the biggest cities in California. You’d think the feasting would be tremendous. In fact, you’d be surprised to learn that often, breakfast is the only real meal of the day
This morning, I left the hotel and spotted a small, local coffee stand. There was a line of people waiting for food which is usually a sign of good food and service. It was.
I bought a cup of really good coffee and a banana for my breakfast. It really hit the spot. I walked back to my hotel and got on the shuttle to the convention site.
At the convention site, a gubernatorial candidate was offering a breakfast meeting. I’d hoped to get another cup of coffee, but was surprised that breakfast burritos were still available (food usually goes quickky at these events). So, I enjoyed a second breakfast.
Networking over second breakfast
While enjoying my surprise second breakfast at a “tall table,” I was joined by a pair of young delegates from Orange County. They were latino organizers with their county Democratic Central Committee (DCC) and our conversation turned to our experiences in getting latino voters, especially first-generation voters, to the polls. We shared impressions, ideas, and experiences.
This type of networking and sharing of ideas is one of my favorite aspects of these political conventions. It’s a good way to learn new tips and techniques that you may want to implement. It’s also a good way to share what you are doing in your area that others may be interested in implementing. This is networking at its best.
Working sessions
The morning and afternoon sessions were dedicated to hearing from candidates and other distinguished speakers. The candidates told us of the challenges faced by Californians and how the candidates plan to deal with those challenges.
The speech template
There were some common themes in the various candidates’ speeches. Here is a summary of items that could have been used as a speech template.
- I grew up in a working class family under tough conditions
- I’m the product of public education
- I became successful through hard work and a bit of luck
- Californians are challenged by affordability issues and a lack of affordable housing
- I will fight back against a lawless federal government
To be fair, many candidates brought something unique to their speech. Two that struck out are:
- Antonio Villaraigosa used the phrase “Ya basta. Basta ya” when speaking about Trump and ICE.
- Katie Porter brought her signature white board with “FUCK TRUMP” written on it.
Timing is everything
One thing that often bothers me, is that speakers in the morning session are scheduled right up until the noon hour. Most delegates begin streaming out of the convention hall after the candidates are done speaking and the hall is pretty empty by the time the last speaker addresses the hall.
At this convention, that dreaded spot fell to DNC Chairman Ken Martin. I had moved from my assigned area to the center-front of the hall and got a close up view of Martin’s speech. I’m a fan of speechcraft and wanted to see his presentation “up close and personal.”
He gave a wonderful speech focused on organizing and working to turn out the vote. Unfortunately, only about 10% of the delegation was still in the hall to hear it. Nonetheless, I applauded and cheered gratefully. His speechcraft is very impressive.
The real work
At this convention, late Saturday afternoon was where our most important work was to happen. This is the period where delegates would be casting votes for candidates whom they wanted to represent our party in the various races coming up later this year.
The CADEM pre-endorsement process can be difficult to understand until you see it in action.
Delegates in most districts (Congressional, State Senate, and Assembly) choose their preferred candidate at the pre-endorsement conference. This happens when one candidate is the overwhelming favorite of Democratic activists in a district (incumbents are given an automatic pass; this is something that may be challenged in the future).
Some districts, however, have competitive races where no one meets the definition of “preferred candidate.” In some cases, the race is labelled as “unendorsed.” In these races, the party does not choose a preferred candidate. All legally registered candidates will be present on the primary ballot and they will all campaign diligently to become a candidate on the November ballot.
In other cases, no one is the preferred candidate coming out of the pre-endorsement meetings, but one candidate meets a threshold requirement to have their district decided at the endorsing convention. This was the case in several districts. In these districts, endorsing caucuses were held allowing the candidates in the contested districts to address interested delegates one last time.
After these mini-caucuses were over, at 5 PM on Saturday, delegates began receiving their ballots via email (CADEM uses an electronic balloting system for their elections) and the voting was underway. It was time to begin selecting the candidates to represent the party for the state-wide races such as Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Insurance Commissioner, and so on. The voting period lasted from 5 PM to 7 PM. Results would come later in the evening.
A break and a bite
While voting was underway, I went back to my hotel to rest a bit and get ready for the evening caucuses.
My family owned a small Mexican restaurant that provided the resources that allowed me to attend Sonoma State University. In appreciation of this, I always try to dine at locally owned establishments.
Locally owned businesses benefit their communities more than corporate owned restaurants. Moat restaurants have very narrow profit margins and alwaysappreciate your business. A side benefit is usually better food and better service.
After my break, on the way back to the convention hall, I stopped by a local restaurant named Soma for dinner. Unfortunately, I only had time for food.
Chicano Latino Caucus
Back at the convention hall, it was time for more caucus meetings. I am a member of the Chicano Latino Caucus among others.
During presidential election years, this caucus draws candidates who are serious about becoming President of the United States (POTUS) since Latinos are the largest ethnic group in California. This is a good caucus to join to hear powerful people up close.
Many people introduce themselves with a short spanish phrase like “buenos dias,” “hola,” or “como estan?” Not all Latinos are fluent in Spanish, especially if they are 2nd or 3rd generation Latinos. So it’s nice to hear someone speaking Spanish at the caucus. I was particularly impressed by how well Xavier Becerra spoke Spanish.
The unexpected highlight was a visit from a Brazilian samba troupe. The visit served to remind delegates that Latin America extends into the South America continent and includes Brazil.
The after party
At the end of the evening, I and two friends who are serving as chairs of their respective county DCCs, decided to try and get into an “after party.”
In attendance was a legendary Democratic organizer, many elected officials, and one very prominent social media influencer. Me, being me, managed to chat them all up for a minute or two.
A couple of cocktails later, our trio of DCC chairs walked to our hotel, and settled in for the evening.
Day 3. Business day.
Day 3 started early for me. I needed to attend an 8 AM meeting. You know it’s serious if you’re gathering people at 8 AM in the morning after the various “after parties” when most delegates are sleeping in. I managed to drag myself out of bed at 7:30 AM but was confronted by the need for some real food.
But first: breakfast.
I stopped by Mo’z Cafe near the hotel. Good coffee and pancakes are always a favorite of mine.
Meeting time and floor packet
Fueled up, I headed in to my early meeting. I was there in support of a friend who had challenged the results of an endorsement vote. Unfortunately, she did not prevail in her challenge.
By then, the results of the previous night’s voting were published, along with the details of proposed changes to the platform of the California Democratic Party. The items to be voted on are always in the floor packet.
Prior to the convention, several proposed changes to platform planks had been contentious. Fortunately for the delegates, the contentious issues had been resolved in the Platform Committee meeting. This meant that there would be no floor fight over proposed language changes to the proposed platform.
Both the endorsed candidates list and the platform changes were passed on a voice vote.
Next, we heard the officer and standing committee reports.
The in-memoriam segment is always a touching tribute to members of our party who have passed away. Every few seconds, you hear a gasp, or an “oh no,” when someone sees a name they know and are reminded of someone they knew.
Shortly after that, the convention was concluded.
My personal experience
I always enjoy these conventions. Having attended them for several years in various capacities, I’ve managed to make friends throughout the state. It’s always wonderful catching up and sharing experiences, knowledge, and ideas with people from throughout the state.
I also enjoy interacting with many of the people there advocating for candidates, organizations, or issues. It’s an opportunity to become aware of new people, groups, or ideas. It keeps me “fresh.”
My biggest contribution is being able to offer insights to new candidates about the process of becoming an endorsed candidate and to introduce people who need to make a connection.
My visit to San Francisco ended with a beautiful view of the bay. It couldn’t have ended on a better note.
