In recent elections Democrats have made inroads in East County. With a massive tax hike on the ballot and control of local city councils and school boards hanging in the balance, Reform California is organizing an ambitious campaign to turn out “common-sense” voters in 2022.
East County was once considered a safe Republican area, but recent elections have seen Democrats make surprising gains. That may change in 2022 - especially if a new East County political movement gets off the ground.
Carl DeMaio, chairman of Reform California, says his organization has partnered with other East County community leaders to launch their “Fight for East County” campaign to reverse that what he considers an “alarming slide to the Left” in some parts of East County. DeMaio says the effort will focus on two simple goals in the 2022 elections: defeat a costly tax hike on the ballot and help common-sense candidates win a number of key target races in East County.
“The outcome of these races in East County will determine who represents you in the Legislature and on school boards, whether we have a DA and Sheriff committed to fighting crime, and even whether you will end up paying roughly $1,000 per year more in local taxes,” explained DeMaio.
DeMaio warns that Left-wing activists have been mobilizing for the past five years in East County - while the center-right forces have been too complacent.
“These Left-wing groups want to govern East County with the same failed policies of Los Angeles, San Francisco, and urban San Diego,” DeMaio warns. “Look at those urban areas and you’ll see rampant crime and homelessness - as well as higher cost of living and lower job creation,” DeMaio says.
DeMaio and other East County leaders are recruiting and training candidates to run for key offices in 2022 while also recruiting volunteers to help power their campaigns. Reform California is also raising funds to wage aggressive campaigns to support the endorsed candidates and has formed partnerships with East County groups and the Republican Party of San Diego County.
DeMaio and Reform California are hosting their “Fight for East County” campaign kickoff event to discuss their strategies for winning back key neighborhoods in East County in the upcoming 2022 elections. The event is on Tuesday, Feb 22nd at 6:00pm at the Lakeside VFW Hall, and they’re asking for members of the community to RSVP so they can get the facts and learn how they can help.
“I’m calling on all East County residents who are concerned about the negative direction this community is headed in to join the fight to fix it by attending our campaign kickoff events on February 22 in Lakeside,” DeMaio urged.
RSVP: “Fight for East County” Campaign Launch Event
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