Assemblymember Carl DeMaio is leading a concerted effort to reshape the political landscape of the California Republican Party through his volunteer-driven organization, Reform California. The initiative aims to bolster Republican influence in a state where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans nearly two to one and maintain control of the Legislature as well as all statewide offices.
DeMaio, a Republican representing a district in northern and eastern San Diego County, has positioned himself as a pragmatic leader advocating for a revitalized GOP. His stated goals include promoting socially moderate policies, environmental stewardship, and challenging corporate power—areas in which he contends the party has underperformed. At Reform California’s Escondido headquarters, volunteers have been engaged in extensive voter outreach, distributing customized voter guides tailored to local elections as part of DeMaio’s broad campaign efforts.
His approach has, however, generated friction with the official state Republican Party. Prior to the June primary, party leaders issued a cease-and-desist letter contesting DeMaio’s use of the Republican elephant emblem and the phrasing “Official Republican Voter Guide” on his materials. Despite this, GOP candidates backed by DeMaio outpaced party establishment candidates in several key primary races. Matt Shupe, a spokesperson for the state party, acknowledged the strength of its organizational foundation and expressed a willingness to collaborate moving forward.
DeMaio’s background includes a Jesuit education and a degree from Georgetown University. His early career involved government reform advocacy, including co-authoring a 2003 report addressing California’s budget deficit. He served on the San Diego City Council starting in 2008 and gained a reputation as a fiscal watchdog. His political record includes leading a 2018 recall campaign against state Sen. Josh Newman over tax policy, promoting a "gazelle strategy" of targeting vulnerable Democrats. In his 2024 Assembly campaign, DeMaio prominently featured former Gov. Pete Wilson’s border control policies, framing them as relevant to current immigration debates.
The Assemblymember has introduced legislation that has stalled in the Democrat-led Legislature, including proposals for mandatory voter ID, repeal of California’s sanctuary state law, and restrictions on elected officials’ stock trading. His outspoken stance has heightened tensions with Democratic colleagues. For instance, he vocally opposed a bill designed to protect addresses of individuals offering legal and humanitarian aid to immigrants, branding it the “Stop Nick Shirley Act,” which drew considerable MAGA-aligned support.
Though known for his combative public style, some Democrats note DeMaio’s capacity for private dialogue. Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal described him as simultaneously confrontational on camera and thoughtful in private interactions.
DeMaio is seeking reelection in November against Democrat Gerald Boursiquot, an IT contractor. Alongside his legislative work, DeMaio is actively campaigning for Proposition 39, a voter ID initiative requiring in-person voters to present identification and mail-in voters to provide government-approved PINs. The measure would also mandate regular updates to voter rolls.
The proposition has drawn criticism from voting rights advocates and Democrats, who argue it could suppress turnout among low-income, rural, and minority voters and that voter fraud is exceptionally rare. DeMaio, however, maintains the measure aims to enhance election integrity without deterring mail-in voting, which he supports. He underscores a commitment to ensuring voters are eligible while mobilizing the Republican base through a 71-stop campaign tour.
Despite engaging some strategies linked to national GOP figures, DeMaio advocates avoiding distractions, urging supporters to “stay on message” rather than pursue initiatives unsupported by data. As he concludes his first Assembly term, DeMaio continues to seek a path to increase Republican competitiveness in a state dominated by Democrats.