Longtime El Cajon City Councilman Switches to Democratic Party

Gary Kendrick, a 25-year Republican veteran on the council, cites the party's shift as reason for his change.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Gary Kendrick, a longtime Republican city councilman in El Cajon, California, has formally renounced the Republican Party and registered as a Democrat. Kendrick, who has served on the council for nearly 25 years, cited the party's shift and his disagreement with the city's controversial policy of cooperating with ICE as the reasons behind his late-career political change.

Why it matters

Kendrick's switch is significant as El Cajon remains a Republican stronghold in the San Diego region. His move could signal a potential shift in the city's political landscape, though the Republican mayor doubts it will trigger a broader domino effect. The change also highlights the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement policies at the local level.

The details

During a news conference outside City Hall, Kendrick formally changed his party registration, flanked by other East County Democrats and the chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party. Kendrick said he could no longer stand 'what the Republican Party has become' and rejected the city's policy of cooperating with ICE, which he said makes residents feel unsafe to call the police.

  • Kendrick changed his party registration on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • Kendrick has served on the El Cajon City Council for nearly 25 years.

The players

Gary Kendrick

A longtime Republican city councilman in El Cajon, California, who has now formally renounced the Republican Party and registered as a Democrat.

Bill Wells

The Republican mayor of El Cajon, who accused Kendrick of being a 'fair-weather politician' and doubts the change will trigger a broader political shift in the city.

San Diego County Democratic Party

The local Democratic party organization that was present at Kendrick's announcement and welcomed his switch.

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What they’re saying

“I've been a Republican for 50 years, and I just can't stand what the Republican Party has become. I'm formally renouncing the Republican Party.”

— Gary Kendrick, City Councilman (nbcsandiego.com)

“I think now he is doing whatever he can to stay in office. I think he's had a long, very conservative history, and it's hard to see somebody change so dramatically.”

— Bill Wells, Mayor (nbcsandiego.com)

“I'm hoping that my coming over to the Democratic Party will make them feel safer from the slings and arrows that the Republican Party will hurl at them.”

— Gary Kendrick, City Councilman (nbcsandiego.com)

What’s next

Kendrick plans to run for re-election in November 2026 and expects to face a Republican challenger, but he trusts his constituents will support his change in party affiliation.

The takeaway

Kendrick's switch from the Republican to Democratic party in the conservative stronghold of El Cajon highlights the ongoing political shifts occurring at the local level, as elected officials grapple with issues like immigration enforcement and seek to better align with their constituents' values.