California Republicans tried to cut him off. Then he beat them from the right

Carl DeMaio's Reform California movement is reshaping California GOP politics, according to CalMatters. In June, his right-wing faction defeated establishment Republican candidates despite party opposition and a cease-and-desist letter accusing DeMaio of misusing official branding. Most notably, Reform-backed Kristie Bruce-Lane won a closely watched San Diego state Senate race, prevailing despite two million dollars spent against her by tech and business groups. She'll face Democrat Mara Elliott in the general election. The split highlights a clash of philosophies: DeMaio backs aggressive 'fighters' willing to antagonize Sacramento's Democratic-controlled Legislature, while establishment Republicans prefer pragmatism and behind-the-scenes deal-making. Reform California has also proven it can fundraise from small-dollar donors — five point eight million dollars in 2024, roughly a quarter of the entire state party's total. As Republicans brace for a difficult midterm in a state where Democrats outnumber them significantly, party leaders are adapting to DeMaio's insurgent approach rather than trying to shut it down.

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