How Carl DeMaio is pushing the GOP to give up on CA moderates

California Republicans face a choice to end their 20-year losing streak in statewide elections: moderate to broaden their appeal, or lean further right to energize the base. Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, a San Diego Republican with his own political movement, is pushing the latter approach. Per CalMatters, DeMaio's Reform California backed primary candidates that clashed with the state party — drawing a cease-and-desist letter from GOP leadership. His bet paid off: several candidates won, including Kristie Bruce-Lane in San Diego's Senate District 40. Bruce-Lane, positioned as a fighter, raised two hundred fifty thousand dollars with DeMaio's support and defeated Ed Musgrove, a city councilmember who'd raised two million dollars and earned backing from prominent Republicans. She faces Democrat Mara Elliott, the former San Diego City Attorney, this November.

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