Jessica Patterson. (Photo: Katy Grimes for California Globe)
Farewell Tour for CAGOP Chairwoman Jessica Patterson
New GOP Chairwoman immediately differentiated herself from Patterson
By Katy Grimes, March 17, 2025 3:55 am
The California Republican Party just elected Corrin Rankin as its new chairwoman. Despite some dirty rumors and tactics, Rankin garnered 747 votes ahead of the 559 for former State Senator Mike Morrell.
“Change is coming to California. It’s time to end the Democratic Party rule and make California great again,” Rankin said following her election. In an interview with Eytan Wallace. She immediately differentiated herself from Patterson saying she hopes people look beyond her race and gender. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman or what color your skin is or what your background is, as long as you are qualified for the role.” She said we need to look past skin color and instead focus on qualifications and results. The interview is worth watching.
From Corrin Rankin’s bio:
“Growing up in Menlo Park, Corrin Rankin started working at a young age in her father’s bail bonds business, which he founded in 1968. She would later take over the family business after working for almost a decade with some of Silicon Valley’s leading tech companies.
In 2016, Corrin served as an on-air surrogate for the Trump for President campaign and as a whip for Mr. Trump at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. As the 2016 statewide coalition director for African Americans for Trump, Corrin was at the outset of a movement that would propel Donald Trump to the White House in 2016 and again in 2024.
Corrin was elected as California Republican Party Central Valley Vice Chair in 2021.
Elected as California Republican Party Vice Chair in 2023, Corrin has spent the last two years traveling throughout California, assisting with voter registration, fundraising, supporting Republican candidates, and growing the party. She also served as a national surrogate for President Trump’s 2024 campaign, ensuring that Republican values and conservative principles continue to gain ground in the state.
Corrin knows that the future of the California Republican Party depends on results, not rhetoric. By applying her private-sector problem-solving approach, she is committed to replicating the Central Valley’s successful Republican model statewide. Her vision is clear: build an organization that doesn’t just react but proactively builds a pathway to victory for Republicans up and down the ballot.
“Results, not rhetoric” is something everyone is eager for.
Outgoing California Republican Party Chairwoman Jessica Patterson is taking credit again for registering 1 million new California Republicans to vote. The credit goes to Ric Grenell and Fix California.
But that didn’t stop Patterson this weekend at her personal farewell tour at the CAGOP Convention.
At a Saturday morning meeting she held with members of the press, Patterson said she “registered over 1 million Republicans since 2019.”
The real story is that since 2021, Ric Grenell, former Ambassador to Germany, former Director of National Intelligence, and President Donald Trump’s Presidential Envoy for Special Missions, has been diligently working on a long term plan to “Fix California,” identifying and registering unregistered conservative voters in the one-party Democrat Supermajority state of California, the Globe reported in August.
“Fix California is committed to pursuing longterm solutions that advance conservative ideas and causes throughout the state,” Grenell told the Globe in 2021 when he first launched Fix California. The Globe has been reporting on Fix California since Grenell first launched it.
In August, we reported on Rob Pyers’ amazement at the increase in Republican registrations. Piers, Research Director for the non-partisan California Target Book, posted on X:
Between 2/20 and 7/5, Republicans (again) increased their share of registered voters in every assembly, state senate, and congressional district, & all 58 counties, per @CASoSVote‘s first voter registration report update since February. sos.ca.gov/elections/repo
Carl DeMaio Chairman, Reform California and then-Candidate for State Assembly AD-75 posted on X:
“A HUGE shoutout to @RichardGrenell and FIX CALIFORNIA for their crucial role they are playing in this success through their voter education efforts! Support their work at FixCalifornia.com”
As for Patterson’s farewell tour and her final convention as CAGOP Chairwoman, she addressed media with a prepared speech touting her accomplishments. But Patterson’s recollection differs from reality.
The CAGOP 2025 Spring Convention was dull – there was no electricity, no excitement, no joy. “It was amazing how all of the joy was sucked out of the convention, and the Trump momentum lost – as if that’s what they wanted,” a political friend and I discussed. There were fewer vendors, fewer booths, leaving the convention hall looking underwhelming.
Patterson squandered the Trump election momentum. That’s takes some planning.
I have been told by many Republicans since Patterson was first elected CAGOP Chairwoman that she despises Donald Trump. It was evident at this convention. And there was a lot of talk among attendees and delegates about this.
Even in California, more Republicans voted for Donald Trump than ever. This should have been an easy convention to plan for with the excitement and hopefulness and momentum throughout the country over Trump’s win – and to capitalize on. But it was not. There was very little joy – other than the Trump supporters.
But Patterson is not alone. There is a large contingent within the party who have such Trump Derangement Syndrome they could not bring themselves to even vote for party resolutions supporting his positions on the border, fentanyl, deportations, etc…
Patterson sucked the life from the lunch event Saturday featuring Rep. Tony Gonzalez (R-TX). It wasn’t a talk from Congressman Gonzalez, but instead a Q & A between Patterson and Gonzalez, with much of the conversation about Latino voters.
She popped in to various meetings to talk about her accomplishments.
“She walked in to the community engagement session which Corrin was leading with three lawmakers, and took 10 min about all of her supposed wins. They had to divide their remaining time,” another delegate shared with the Globe.
She played videos of herself. IMG_1953: “Best money can buy!” a delegate told the Globe.
There were very few college Republicans. The cost to attend the events were exorbitant – and no student rates were offered other than for registration.
- Friday Dinner Photo Reception (includes photo with speaker)* – $325
- Friday Dinner Banquet – General Admission – $200
- Friday Photo Reception/Dinner Package (includes photo reception and general admission banquet ticket) – $500
- Saturday Lunch Photo Reception (includes photo with speaker)* – $325
- Saturday Lunch Banquet – General Admission – $200
- Saturday Photo Reception/Lunch Package (includes photo reception and general admission banquet ticket) – $500
- Saturday Dinner Photo Reception (includes photo with speaker)* – $375
- Saturday Dinner Banquet – General Admission – $300
- Saturday Dinner Banquet – Priority Seating – $375
- Saturday Photo Reception/Dinner Package (includes photo reception and general admission banquet ticket) – $650
- Sunday Prayer Breakfast – $100
- Online Pricing
- Delegates and Associate Delegates – $250
- Guests – $275
- College/Student Republicans* – $75
This flyer was on each chair Sunday before the vote, addressing Jessica Patterson’s record, attempting to tie Corrin Rankin to her:
“Lost 3 huge elections; claimed grassroots victories she never fought for; is now pretending to be on the parental rights band-wagon; did not and will not protect the platform,” the flyer said.
Yet, this is the some of the record Patterson claimed to media on Saturday:
- More Reps in CA now than during Schwarzenegger admin’ – No accident.
- Ballot harvesting – 35k last election
- Raised 122M for party
- 100K small donations
- Data transition – 2500 campaigns using CAGOP data
- 1800 media mentions 2024
- Brought CA trailblazers in house – candidate dev program founded in 2011
- Pres Trump shifted every district win 2024
- Flipped blue counties to red
- Congressional races in 2024 helped
- Legislature picked up 3 seats last year – first time since 1980
- Ballot initiatives – really focused on them – 2020 won 64%; 67% 2022; 89% 2024
- Road to house majority will come through CA
- Can party sustain in DC – JP I am here to help with that.
- Speaker McCarthy was biggest fundraiser here in CA
- Trump voters – 2M more people voted for Trump in 2020 that stayed home for the recall. We need to make sure we are motivating Trump voters.
- We turned out 80% of newly registered Republicans. Will be interested to see what the Trump team does to help to hold on to the House and Senate.
- You grow house through CA and NY.
- Said in 2019 we would show up in communities that had been neglected by Republican Party – showed up to farms and talked to farm workers.
- When asked about Trump railing on DEI programs, she said “I don’t have concerns about it, and actually appreciate it. I walk into room I want people to know I am there not because I’m a Latina but because I earned it.”
Self-aggrandizement is déclassé.
As a delegate told the Globe, “CAGOP attendees could see through all of it – they do not want a party with a leader who pats her own back on false claims. This was a convention of what not to do for the incoming Chairwoman.”
Make California great again. “And make CAGOP conventions fun again.”
Read Corrin Rankin’s bio here.
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Well, FINALLY. Dawn comes to Marble Head (the California Republican Party). Congratulations to Corrin Rankin.
……BUT, according to KG, there are still to many RINO types led by Patterson in power position within the CAGOP structure. Corrin should probably seek the guidance of Mike Whatley and Laura Trump at the RNC to root these people out. Until that is done, progress will be hampered.
Appreciate very much this hands-on report about the convention Katy Grimes. New CAGOP leadership is hopeful news. Best of luck to Corrin Rankin, who sounds like the real deal. But as Raymond noted, there may be obstacles to her good efforts if there is a ‘deep state’ contingent ready to block reforms and much-needed Repub rank-and-file growth. Hoping for the best. Will stay tuned.
“There were very few college Republicans. The cost to attend the events were exorbitant – and no student rates were offered other than for registration.”
It is obvious from this KG photo [CAGOP Convention 2025. (Photo: Katy Grimes for California Globe)] where no one under 30yrs old can be seen, that the party leadership needs a massive infusion of youth. We Globe followers know that conservative youth ARE out there ready to be welcomed into the fold……they just need to be approached: https://californiaglobe.com/fr/teen-opinion-president-trump-will-bring-unity-and-prosperity-to-our-nation/
I was interesting to me that from the photos and other parts of Richie Greenberg’s recent article about this event one could tell, without even being in attendance, that it was zombie-time with no enthusiasm. When I read that article I shook my head that such a magnificent Repub President could be in the White House, and yet, as usual in California, it’s as though this momentous circumstance had never happened.
I also neglected previously to say how glad I was that in this article the record was corrected and proper credit given to FixCalifornia.com, Ric Grenell’s effort. It was this, not Jessica Milan Patterson, that actually did the work, produced the gains, and will be largely responsible should CA make the turnaround to a more sensible Repub future.
Hope those who can will continue to support FixCalifornia.com
I am glad for the change! Makes me want to contribute to the CAGOP again! Good luck Corrin!
Katy, I agree with your analysis about Ms. Patterson. If memory serves me correct the CAGOP did not come out and formally support Trump in 2024? We should dissect the past failures (of which there has been many) of the CAGOP in order not to relive them again. In my evaluation of the recent past I see that the party has been overtaken with limited vision liberal leadership. In the 2024 General Election the CAGOP supported propositions that were supported and funded by liberal causes that will not bring about a better California. While at the convention I also saw Rankin File videos which caused me to pause and wonder about Ms. Rankin. Her past support for President Obama if she wants to convince folks of her conversion to conservatism, she will have to publicly renounce her support of Obama’s policies and give a full endorsement of conservative positions and principles. (Obama still has tentacles throughout all levels of government), I am also unclear of her position on the life of the unborn and abortion. Her real position on this important matter is of keen interest. The video clip that I saw of her speaking on the right to life seemed to show her speaking on both sides of the issue (mini word salad). In conclusion California and the nation will not be great again unless we also have a real return to God (come to Jesus meetin). Economic revival is not complete without a spiritual revival as well. I do agree with President Trump in that his life was spared for such a time as this to lead this nation back to faith in God and a resurgence towards the pursuit of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” which as we all know are rights bestowed upon us by God.
“Her past support for President Obama if she wants to convince folks of her conversion to conservatism, she will have to publicly renounce her support of Obama’s policies and give a full endorsement of conservative positions and principles. (Obama still has tentacles throughout all levels of government), I am also unclear of her position on the life of the unborn and abortion. Her real position on this important matter is of keen interest.”
@Hal, first of all, a lot of Trump supporters voted for Obama; including Tulsi Gabbard, Elon Musk, RFK, Jr. and me (Obama’s first run only) just to name just a few. That, per se, is not a valid litmus test of political “conservatism”. Neither is supporting the far religious right position of militant anti-abortion policy – which was removed from the Republican platform by the Trump campaign. First Lady Melania Trump has stated publicly that she is pro-choice. I disagree that California and the nation must “come to Jesus” for your formula of economic revival to obtain. You are eliminating non-Christians, agnostics and atheists from achieving “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Success must be available to everyone. However, I do agree that spirituality will enhance personal and national success. “Coming to Jesus” involves the spirit, and is a personal choice that even a devout liberal like Nobel laureate Bob Dylan (a Jew) can make:
https://bobdylanjesus.com/
@Raymond thanks for your comments, I appreciate them. The folks that you listed in the public square have made a public change in position away from most (not all) liberal positions that they have held and agree with their current employers’ positions. I would imagine that if they don’t agree with the Presidents positions that they won’t be long in their positions. I would hope we can both agree that our country and state is in the position that we are in because of a large overbearing government that believes everything is theirs (including the money in our wallets)? My take is that I want leaders whose natural inclination is to want to return power to the people through limited government, a free-market economy and the inalienable rights that have been endowed by our Creator as enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. I personally believe that life starts at the moment of conception. One of the oldest attacks on society is that life does not have value/rights at the beginning or at that the end. As a person who has been young and is moving closer to the “older” age I have witnessed a constant transition from young to old (with the current exception of a few mostly liberal politicians, although I recognize that there are old RINO’s hanging on as well). There is no stopping the fact that we are or will get older (one of my current hero’s is Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas). I would encourage you to read I Kings chapter 12 where it talks about the transition of power from King Solomon (one of the wisest men to ever live) to his son Rehoboam. I will give you a spoiler alert that it does not go well because Rehoboam does not follow the right advice. Lastly, I will leave you with this. Everyone has faith even the Agnostic who does not believe in God or His divine interposition in humanity. To me believing that there is a God who is actively involved in His creation is more open minded than this is all there is. We have all been given the freedom/freewill to make up our mind for ourselves. Take Care
Right on Raymond,
The “image” remains of the CAGOP, Old White Guys, with one foot in the grave.
Here’s hoping Corrin can change that!
The problem with CAGOP is not “old white guys.” Afterall, President Trump is one. The real problem is that the CAGOP is infested with RINO trojan horses who thwart the MAGA agenda and do the bidding of their leftist Democrat cronies.
Maybe Jessica Milan Patterson can now run as Chairwoman of the California Democrat Party? Afterall, she’s an expert on getting Democrats elected?
Sad but true, TJ.
LOL
No kidding, TJ.
Something tells me that Ms. Jessica Patterson will be just fine. I am sure a corporation such as Pfizer may have a lobbying position waiting for her! Uggh.
I am encouraged by the change. Congratulations to Corrin Rankin. She stood with Trump in 2016, she gets it!
I hope this will encourage TurningPointUSA to come out more often to Cali and work with our new Chairperson.
I whole heartedly support Ric Grennell’s organization FixCalifornia.com.
I encourage everyone to get behind them even a five dollar donation will help.
Ha CG! Patterson as Pfizer lobbyist would be a nice fit I think.
Can’t wait to see what Corrin and her new Treasurer Jack Guerrero do to clean house. Here’s a few ideas to get the party started.
Do a thorough audit of all CRP and TEAM CAL prior management financial and programmatic claims as soon as possible to provide the incoming CRP board of directors with a clean slate bill of health.
Review and rebid ALL current consultant contracts worth more than $1,000 per year as soon as practicable. A good start would be the former Speaker of the US House’s spouse’s [Judith “Judy” McCarthy] contract for “fundraising,” which has been ongoing for more than five years and for which Mrs. McCarthy should be required to provide an activity report showing the benefit of the contract to the CRP.
All vendor contracts should be noticed to the greatest extent possible. New participants should be allowed to bid on them rather than issuing what amount to sole source contracts without a hint of competition.
Stop the use of CRP consultant “kickbacks.” Use the Federal Government’s Anti-Kickback procedures as a starting point and reference point for this provision. See 52.203-7 Anti-Kickback Procedures. | Acquisition.GOV
In addition to an anti-kickback provision, all contracts should have an audit provision that allows programmatic audits at any time during the contract. Other provisions that should appear in EVERY CRP consulting contract with vendors over $1,000 per year:
1. Scope of Work (SOW): Clearly define the tasks and deliverables expected from the vendor.
2. Financial Clauses: Specify payment terms, milestones, and penalties for non-compliance.
3. Programmatic Clauses: Address programmatic requirements, such as data accuracy and security.
4. Legal Clauses: Include indemnity, insurance, assignment of rights, and force majeure provisions.
I know these seem like basic ideas, but I don’t believe any of these are currently in regular use at the CRP level.
Lastly, consultants should not be allowed to participate as board or alternate board members. That’s a bad look and bad practice. Good luck Corrin and Jack, and God’s Speed to you in your efforts to clean up the CRP!