El Cajon Councilmember Switches to Democratic Party

Gary Kendrick cites concerns over Republican immigration policies as reason for party change

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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El Cajon City Councilmember Gary Kendrick announced that he has left the Republican Party and registered as a Democrat, citing deep concerns over the party's recent immigration enforcement policies and their impact on the diverse community of El Cajon.

Why it matters

Kendrick's party switch is significant as he was the longest-serving Republican in municipal office in San Diego County. His decision reflects growing tensions within the Republican Party and the shifting political landscape in the region, particularly around issues of immigration.

The details

Kendrick, who has served on the El Cajon City Council as a Republican for 24 years, said he found himself increasingly at odds with the party on a variety of issues, with immigration enforcement being the most important. He cited the City Council's passage of a resolution asserting the city's stance against immigration enforcement and the uptick in such enforcement nationwide as instilling a sense of fear in the diverse East County city.

  • Kendrick announced his party switch on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • A year ago, the El Cajon City Council passed a resolution asserting the city's stance against immigration enforcement.

The players

Gary Kendrick

A 24-year Republican member of the El Cajon City Council who has now registered as a Democrat, citing concerns over the Republican Party's immigration policies.

Bill Wells

The mayor of El Cajon who brought forward the resolution asserting the city's stance against immigration enforcement, which Kendrick supported.

San Diego County Democratic Party

The local Democratic party organization that issued a statement supporting Kendrick's party switch and indicating plans to invest heavily in neighborhoods that have recently trended toward the right but are historically Democratic strongholds.

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What they’re saying

“El Cajon is one of the few bastions of conservative thought in San Diego County.”

— Bill Wells, Mayor of El Cajon (San Diego Union-Tribune)

What’s next

Kendrick said he is confident he will be re-elected to the El Cajon City Council in November 2026 despite his party switch.

The takeaway

Kendrick's decision to leave the Republican Party and register as a Democrat reflects the growing divide within the GOP, particularly on issues of immigration, and the shifting political landscape in San Diego County. His move could signal an opportunity for Democrats to make inroads in traditionally conservative areas.