The recent column (by Nuné Gipson, July 2) urging Californians to “fight for California” reads less like an argument and more like a political rallying cry built on frustration, anecdotes and grievance.
Mrs. Gipson repeatedly suggests that Californians are abandoning Democrats and that a political shift is just around the corner. Yet the actual election results tell a different story. California Republicans have not won a statewide office since 2006. Instead, California voters have consistently elected Democrats. If Californians are rejecting Democratic leadership in large numbers, where are the statewide Republican victories?
Mrs. Gipson asks voters to question whether Democratic policies reflect California’s values. That is a fair question. Shouldn’t she ask the same thing of Republican policies? On issue after issue, California voters have supported reproductive freedom, environmental protections, voting rights, public education, LGBTQ equality, and expanded access to health care. Perhaps the problem is not that Californians aren’t listening to Republicans. Perhaps Californians have listened and decided the current Republican Party no longer reflects their values.
Rather than attempt to assign blame elsewhere, Republicans should revisit their platform and ask why they haven’t won a statewide election since 2006 and why their share of registered voters has steadily declined.
The future of California will be determined by who can offer practical solutions that reflect the values and priorities of Californians.
Michael Cruz
Canyon Country
