CA GOP selects former Trump-surrogate to lead party: ‘Make California great again’

California Republicans made history over the weekend when they selected their new party leader, Corrin Rankin, during the CAGOP annual convention in Sacramento. Rankin, a former surrogate for President Donald Trump, is the first-ever Black woman to hold this position and is described as being pro-MAGA.

In her acceptance speech, Rankin expressed her determination to end the Democrats’ one-party rule in California and make the state great again. She emphasized the need for commonsense politicians and highlighted the party’s alignment with President Trump’s national agenda, which has revitalized the California Republican Party.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Rankin acknowledged the uphill battle against the state’s deep-blue Democrat trifecta but remained optimistic about the party’s prospects. She pointed to the success of President Trump in flipping several California counties red during the 2024 general election, signaling a shift in voter preferences towards conservative policies.

Rankin emphasized the importance of focusing on the economy and public safety as major platform issues for the CAGOP moving forward. With California facing high state income and business taxes, as well as an increase in crime rates, Republican lawmakers are committed to addressing these challenges and offering solutions to improve the state’s overall well-being.

Looking ahead to the gubernatorial election in November 2026, Rankin stated that the CAGOP has not endorsed any candidates yet and is waiting to see the full landscape of contenders. She highlighted the need for the party to articulate its policies and vision effectively to represent constituents and attract more voters to the center.

Regarding the ongoing tensions between President Trump and Governor Gavin Newsom, Rankin emphasized the importance of contributing to the conversation between state and national politics. She noted the success of Republican-led initiatives, such as Prop. 36, which aimed to counter Newsom’s soft-on-crime policies and received overwhelming support from Californians.

As the new leader of the California Republican Party, Corrin Rankin is poised to lead the party in a new direction, focusing on key issues that resonate with voters and working towards making California a more competitive political landscape. With a strong commitment to conservative principles and a vision for a brighter future for the state, Rankin’s leadership promises to energize the party and attract new supporters.