With Republicans gaining three seats in the California Legislature, they now comprise 25% of each chamber, offering them newfound optimism. Key concerns around housing and homelessness have been spotlighted, especially as these issues grow under Democratic control. Several Republican legislators emphasize that the electorate, particularly second- and third-generation Latino voters, are focused on practical issues affecting their daily lives, and the GOP aims to resonate with these voters by emphasizing common-sense solutions and addressing public safety concerns.
"We've let policies of altruism dominate," Fresno Assemblymember David Tangipa said Tuesday at a panel hosted by the Sacramento Press Club. Meanwhile, "my community, my demographic can't buy a home, can't afford insurance, can't afford gas, can't afford groceries."
Focusing on the basics is what helped the party make inroads with Latino voters in 2024, Sen. Suzette Martinez Valladares argued. "Second- and third-generation (immigrant) Latino voters are now in the electorate and they're looking for the issues that are affecting their households, their pocketbooks," she said.
"Democrats, just keep doing what you're doing. We'll just step to the side," taunted Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, a firebrand freshman who's already irked his colleagues across the aisle.
Republicans are feeling more optimistic in the California Legislature, netting three seats and achieving 25% representation, viewing themselves as an emergent voice on "common sense" issues.
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