By Trendsetter Tribune 
In a seismic shift for San Diego’s political landscape, El Cajon Councilmember Gary Kendrick announced on Monday, February 9, 2026, that he has officially left the Republican Party and re-registered as a Democrat. Kendrick, who has served on the council for 24 years and was the longest-serving GOP official in the county, cited a “moral decay” within the party regarding federal immigration tactics.
The “Beyond Redemption” Break
Kendrick’s departure comes after months of escalating tension in El Cajon, a city that has remained a conservative stronghold even as the rest of San Diego County has trended blue.
- Betrayal of Values: Kendrick stated that the Republican Party has abandoned its core principles of personal freedom and humanity. “I cannot ignore the Republican Party’s betrayal of our immigrant community, nor its disastrous impacts on the people of El Cajon,” he said during a news conference at City Hall.
- The Minneapolis Shootings: Kendrick’s breaking point was reportedly the recent killings of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis—an event that has sparked nationwide protests and a sharp critique of the administration’s “Operation Return to Sender” campaign.
- Local Policy Clashes: Kendrick was the lone dissenting voice against an El Cajon resolution last year that directed local police to bypass California’s “sanctuary state” (SB 54) laws to collaborate with ICE.
Political Fallout: Weld vs. Kendrick
The switch has created a sharp divide within El Cajon’s leadership.
| Official | Reaction |
| Mayor Bill Wells | Slammed the move as “out of step” with El Cajon’s conservative base, warning that picking and choosing which laws to support leads to “anarchy.” |
| Gary Kendrick | Rebutted that “far-right radicals” now threaten the local way of life and expressed confidence that his District 1 constituents will back his “choice of love over hate.” |
| Democratic Party | San Diego County Democratic Chair Will Rodriguez-Kennedy welcomed Kendrick, calling the switch a “moment of consequence” for the region. |
Looking Toward the 2026 Midterms
Kendrick plans to seek re-election this November as a Democrat. While he won his last election with 85% of the vote, his path forward may be more difficult as the GOP is expected to run a “MAGA-aligned” candidate against him.
- District 1 Demographics: The district is currently split, with 31% Democrats, 31% Republicans, and a large block of independent voters.
- Broader Trend: Kendrick joins other prominent San Diego officials like La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis and former Supervisor Nathan Fletcher who successfully switched parties and won re-election.