Longtime GOP El Cajon Councilman Switches Parties, Runs as Democrat

Gary Kendrick cites shift in Republican Party as reason for change

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Gary Kendrick, an El Cajon City Councilman since 2002 and the longest-serving Republican in municipal office in San Diego County, has announced he is formally leaving the Republican Party and will run for re-election as a Democrat. Kendrick cited the current Republican Party's lack of focus on the economic and personal well-being of the people he serves as the reason for his party switch.

Why it matters

Kendrick's party switch is notable as he was previously elected as a Republican with 85% of the vote. His decision highlights the growing divide within the Republican Party and the challenges some moderate Republicans are facing in aligning with the party's current direction.

The details

Kendrick said he is "in this fight to protect El Cajon from the far-right radicals who threaten our way of life" and that he is joining the Democratic Party to "restore El Cajon as a city where children walk to school without fear, where mothers seek medical care without terror, and where every family can call the police when they need help." Last month, Kendrick joined anti-ICE protesters outside City Hall, and he also broke with the majority on the council last year by voting against a resolution declaring El Cajon not a 'sanctuary city'.

  • Kendrick has served on the El Cajon City Council since 2002.
  • Kendrick was elected in his last election with 85% of the vote as a Republican.
  • Kendrick announced his party switch and intention to run as a Democrat on February 9, 2026.

The players

Gary Kendrick

An El Cajon City Councilman since 2002 who was previously elected as a Republican but is now running for re-election as a Democrat.

Bill Wells

The outspoken conservative mayor of El Cajon who did not immediately comment on Kendrick's party switch.

Will Rodriguez-Kennedy

The chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party who applauded Kendrick's decision to join the Democratic Party.

Rob Bonta

The California Attorney General who sued El Cajon for allegedly violating state law by sharing automated license plate reader data with federal authorities and law enforcement in other states.

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What they’re saying

“Moments of consequence call for clarity and action, which is why I am formally renouncing the Republican Party and joining the Democratic Party. I'm in this fight to protect El Cajon from the far-right radicals who threaten our way of life. Together, we will restore El Cajon as a city where children walk to school without fear, where mothers seek medical care without terror, and where every family can call the police when they need help.”

— Gary Kendrick, El Cajon City Councilman

“Our party is a coalition party made up of people from all walks of life, who have come from different lands, different faiths and who have differing opinions on many things. But we are united in the fight for justice and opportunity for all. Councilmember Kendrick saw injustice and he chose to speak out. He saw hate and he chose love, and when he saw the cruelty of oppression, he chose to fight.”

— Will Rodriguez-Kennedy, San Diego County Democratic Party Chair

“If we start picking and choosing which laws we support and which laws we don't based on feelings or politics, we are setting ourselves up for anarchy.”

— Bill Wells, El Cajon Mayor (One American News Network)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Kendrick's party switch highlights the growing divide within the Republican Party and the challenges some moderate Republicans are facing in aligning with the party's current direction. His decision to join the Democratic Party in order to 'protect El Cajon from the far-right radicals' reflects a broader trend of some Republicans moving away from the party's more extreme elements.