El Cajon Councilman Switches Parties After 24 Years

Longtime Republican cites party's "extreme positions" in decision to become Democrat

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Gary Kendrick, a 24-year veteran of the El Cajon City Council, has announced that he is leaving the Republican Party to become a Democrat. Kendrick cited the party's increasingly extreme positions and recent federal immigration enforcement actions as the reasons for his decision.

Why it matters

Kendrick's party switch is significant as he is the longest-serving Republican in municipal office in San Diego County. His decision reflects the broader political shifts happening in the region and the country, with some longtime Republicans moving away from the party due to concerns over its direction.

The details

Kendrick announced his decision to switch parties outside City Hall on Monday. He said the breaking point came after the shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota, as well as the city council's vote last February to allow local police to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Kendrick said "the party has changed" and is "not recognizable as the party that I joined 50 years ago."

  • Kendrick has served on the El Cajon City Council for 24 years.
  • Kendrick announced his party switch on Monday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Gary Kendrick

A 24-year veteran of the El Cajon City Council who is switching from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party.

Republican Party of San Diego

The local Republican party organization that has not publicly commented on Kendrick's party change.

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What they’re saying

“The Republican Party was getting more and more extreme.”

— Gary Kendrick, El Cajon City Councilman (10news.com)

“I like kindness a lot better than hatred, and I don't believe we should be pursuing people that don't look like us.”

— Gary Kendrick, El Cajon City Councilman (10news.com)

What’s next

Kendrick is up for re-election, and he said voters should know what they're getting if he's elected again, regardless of his party change.

The takeaway

Kendrick's party switch reflects the broader political shifts happening in the region and the country, with some longtime Republicans moving away from the party due to concerns over its direction. His decision highlights the evolving nature of local politics and the potential for more cross-party cooperation in the future.