The California State Democratic Party convention is in full swing at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, drawing more than 2,000 delegates from the nation’s largest state party.
Democrats plan to endorse candidates in major congressional and state races by the end of the weekend.
Day two of the convention focused on candidates meeting delegates to make their case for party endorsements.
Major leaders addressed the crowd, including Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi.
The resounding message on the floor Saturday was California stands as the blueprint for the nation in opposing President Donald Trump.
“If you poke the bear, the bear rips your f****** head off,” said Sen. Schiff.
Democrats also highlighted their Proposition 50 victory — a partisan mid-decade redistricting that gives them an edge in the 2026 midterms — and urged turnout.
“We win when we act together. When we strike and we knock on doors,” said Leslie Littman, the California Teachers Association Vice President.
A video tribute and standing ovation Saturday also honored Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, who announced her retirement from Congress last year.
“We must own the ground to get out the vote,” said Pelosi.
Eight Democratic candidates for governor also spoke Saturday including former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former State Controller Betty Yee, Rep. Eric Swalwell, former Rep. Katie Porter, former Assemblyman Ian Calderon, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, and billionaire Tom Steyer. All are eyeing the party’s endorsement heading into the 2026 California Primary that takes place in June. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan entered the race for governor too late for a speaking slot Saturday.