CA Gubernatorial Candidate Exits Republican Party in Third Run

Daniel Mercuri blasts CAGOP, registers as No Party Preference ahead of 2026 primary

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Daniel Mercuri, a Southern California native and U.S. Navy veteran, has officially changed his party affiliation from Republican to No Party Preference (NPP) as he mounts his third run for California governor. Mercuri, known for his constitutional knowledge and policy proposals, cited a lack of respect for the compromised California Republican Party (CAGOP) as the reason for his decision.

Why it matters

Mercuri's move to NPP is seen as a strategic shift to appeal to a broader base of California voters who are dissatisfied with the two-party system. As an independent candidate, he hopes to position himself as an outsider who can address the state's challenges without being beholden to party interests.

The details

In his official statement, Mercuri accused the CAGOP of "advancing compromised Republicans who lack character and often make back-ended deals." He vowed to "be a servant for all Californians and will place the people's needs above government bureaucracy at all times." Mercuri has spoken to groups in all 58 California counties and 243 cities, witnessing a decline in Republican support of up to 70%.

  • Mercuri officially changed his party affiliation from Republican to NPP on February 12, 2026.
  • The California primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.

The players

Daniel Mercuri

A Southern California native, U.S. Navy veteran, and gubernatorial candidate who has officially changed his party affiliation from Republican to No Party Preference (NPP).

California Republican Party (CAGOP)

The state Republican party that Mercuri has accused of being compromised and lacking character, leading to his decision to leave the party.

General Michael Flynn

A retired U.S. Army lieutenant general who sent a private video message to the gubernatorial candidates, including Mercuri, expressing the gravity of the upcoming election as "the last chance for California to get it right."

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What they’re saying

“I no longer have any respect for the California Republican Party. They've allowed themselves to be infiltrated by the very ideals they claim to stand against … the CAGOP ... is notorious for advancing compromised Republicans who lack character and often make back-ended deals.”

— Daniel Mercuri, Gubernatorial Candidate (X)

“Other candidates say we need a leader. I say, I am determined to be a servant for all Californians and will place the people's needs above government bureaucracy at all times.”

— Daniel Mercuri, Gubernatorial Candidate (Lucifer Zenith Book)

What’s next

The June 2, 2026 California primary election will determine the candidates advancing in the gubernatorial race.

The takeaway

Mercuri's decision to leave the Republican Party and run as an independent candidate reflects a growing dissatisfaction with the two-party system among California voters. His pledge to serve all Californians and prioritize the people's needs over government bureaucracy could resonate with those seeking a non-partisan alternative in the gubernatorial race.