West Hollywood Democratic Club Declines to Endorse Erickson in Senate Race

Prominent figures in the community split between Erickson and rival Brian Goldsmith

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:20am

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An abstract, fractured painting featuring a politician's podium and microphone repeated in overlapping geometric shapes and waves of deep blue, teal, and violet, conveying a sense of political tension and fragmentation.The divisive political landscape in West Hollywood is reflected in the fractured, chaotic energy of this abstract painting.Los Angeles Today

In a surprise move, West Hollywood's Democratic club declined to endorse Councilmember John Erickson for the hotly contested State Senate District 24 race, despite an internal committee backing him. Neither Erickson nor his rival Brian Goldsmith reached the 60% threshold needed for the club's endorsement, with prominent local figures publicly split between the two candidates.

Why it matters

The West Hollywood Democratic Club's endorsement is seen as crucial for candidates running in the area, so Erickson's failure to secure it on his home turf is a significant setback. The split among local leaders highlights the competitive nature of the race and the challenges Erickson faces in gaining unified support within his own community.

The details

According to reports, an internal committee of the West Hollywood Democratic Club had initially backed Erickson for the Senate seat. However, in a vote by the full club membership, neither Erickson nor Goldsmith were able to reach the 60% threshold required for an endorsement. This means the club will remain neutral in the race, a blow to Erickson's campaign as he seeks to represent the area in the state legislature.

  • The West Hollywood Democratic Club vote took place on April 5, 2026.

The players

John Erickson

A West Hollywood City Councilmember who is running for the State Senate District 24 seat.

Brian Goldsmith

Erickson's rival in the State Senate District 24 race.

West Hollywood Democratic Club

The local Democratic club in West Hollywood, whose endorsement is seen as crucial for candidates running in the area.

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What’s next

The race for State Senate District 24 is expected to remain highly competitive, with both Erickson and Goldsmith vying for support from the local community. The lack of an endorsement from the West Hollywood Democratic Club may force Erickson to work harder to rally support within his own base.

The takeaway

The West Hollywood Democratic Club's decision not to endorse either Erickson or Goldsmith highlights the divisiveness within the local political landscape. This could make it more challenging for the eventual nominee to unite the community behind their campaign, underscoring the need for effective coalition-building and outreach efforts.