The San Diego County Democratic Party is gearing up for a highly contested chair election on August 19, with former chair Will Rodriguez-Kennedy competing against Sarah Ochoa, the former South County Vice Chair. This election is critical as the chosen leader will navigate through important challenges ahead, including potential congressional redistricting and the upcoming 2026 electoral cycle.
Rodriguez-Kennedy, who held the position of party chair from 2019 to 2022, is launching his campaign with a focus on reconnecting with over 124,000 voters who he believes were overlooked in the last election. He emphasizes the need to enhance the party’s outreach and to unify its currently fragmented membership base. Against a backdrop of past controversies, notably a sex scandal in 2022, Rodriguez-Kennedy faces criticism but is committed to presenting his vision for the party’s future.
In an exclusive interview, Rodriguez-Kennedy detailed his background and motivations for re-entering the race. Growing up in the South Bronx, a historically disadvantaged area, he was deeply influenced by the inequities that come with one’s zip code. After a turbulent transition out of his hometown, sparked by joining the Marine Corps and later facing discharge due to his sexual orientation, he entered the political realm out of necessity, advocating for those experiencing similar struggles.
Regarding his vision for the San Diego County Democratic Party in the lead-up to the 2026 elections, Rodriguez-Kennedy pointed out the significant drop in voter turnout from 2020 to 2024. He highlighted that nearly 123,000 voters who supported Joe Biden in 2020 failed to cast their ballots in 2024, signaling a worrying trend for the party. He attributed this decline partially to decisions made during his opponent’s tenure and vowed to implement strategies that focus on repairing this gap.
To tackle the issues at hand, Rodriguez-Kennedy outlined three strategic areas for engagement: the north region, the east region, and the South Bay base. He intends to boost community organizing efforts and enhance multilingual communication to ensure that the party speaks to voters in their own languages about the issues that matter most to them, such as healthcare, housing, and economic opportunities.
He also committed to standing up for marginalized communities facing increasing threats, reflecting a focus on social justice that resonates within the current political climate. He believes that his background as a Latino and veteran gives him unique credibility in these matters, particularly in a region where the military holds significant importance.
Addressing concerns surrounding the trust deficit stemming from the scandal he was embroiled in, Rodriguez-Kennedy expressed determination to rebuild faith in his leadership. He recounted the personal toll of the scandal, framing it as a lesson in resilience and empathy. He stressed the importance of demonstrating transparency and integrity in his actions moving forward, distancing himself from the negativity that often permeates political campaigns.
Moreover, he acknowledged the perception of cliquishness and exclusivity within the party. Rodriguez-Kennedy, having experienced being on the outside of these dynamics, pledged to foster a more inclusive environment where grassroots voices are valued and heard. During his previous tenure, he successfully expanded party membership by 24% and implemented reforms to diversify the Central Committee.
Responding to calls for delaying the election to allow for more forums and discussions, he dismissed these suggestions, defending the transparency and number of forums conducted thus far. With high stakes looming, including possible congressional redistricting, he argued that the party cannot afford to stall its leadership selection process.
In light of negative campaigning and an atmosphere marked by hostility, Rodriguez-Kennedy voiced his commitment to a campaign centered around issues rather than personal attacks. Rejecting the politics of negativity, he emphasized the focus on reconnecting with disenfranchised voters, with a nod to the specific challenges faced by the Latino community in the recent elections.
In conclusion, as the race approaches its climax, Rodriguez-Kennedy invites a collective effort toward rebuilding trust and unity within the party, irrespective of the election’s outcome. Whether successful or not, he asserts his dedication to fostering connection and collaboration among Democrats in San Diego County.
image source from：voiceofsandiego
