California Democrats host annual convention in SF with hopes of endorsing candidate for governor

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — California Democrats are in San Francisco this weekend for the party’s state convention. The gathering is about plans and strategies for the months ahead, including endorsing a candidate for governor.

But with so many candidates in the race, party leaders are doubtful one candidate will emerge this weekend.

“Because here, we don’t agonize; we organize. We unionize,” said Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi.

Pelosi was firing up California Democrats Saturday. The party’s convention is celebrating victories, like the voter-approved Proposition 50, which temporarily redraws the state’s congressional districts, a counter-response to partisan redistricting in Texas.

“We saw you fight right here in California with Prop 50. Thanks Governor Newsom and voters for taking on Donald Trump last year,” said DNC Chairman Ken Martin.

MORE: Big political battles ahead for California in 2026: Here’s what to look forward to

Over 3,000 delegates are in San Francisco to help set the tone during a pivotal election year with so much at stake.

“We are considering candidates for state and federal office. We will have conversations about retaking the House of Representatives in 2026,” said California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks.

But the biggest race is who will succeed outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom. Eight candidates are seeking the party’s endorsement, but Hicks said it’s unlikely anyone will get it this weekend.

“Our threshold for endorsement is 60%. There’s a large number of candidates. It’s unlikely we’ll get to an endorsement, but delegates have the opportunity to connect with these candidates,” Hicks said.

Delegates, like Ayo Banjo from Santa Cruz, want to learn more about each candidate.

“What I’m hearing now, there’s a lot of consensus that there is no consensus. We are seeing right now, there’s is nobody that’s actually having a hold on the race,” Banjo said.

“I hope we have a good candidate who can lead us in a good direction and protect all, including immigrants,” said Orange County delegate Victor Valladares.

Outside the convention there were protests and anti-Trump demonstrations.

Back inside, younger democrats were urging the party to embrace bolder progressive ideas, like universal health coverage.

The convention runs until Sunday. Newsom said he wouldn’t be attending.