24-year Republican Councilmember Abandons Party, Cites 'Beyond Redemption' GOP

El Cajon official Gary Kendrick switches to Democratic Party over immigration enforcement concerns

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A Republican official in the conservative San Diego suburb of El Cajon, Gary Kendrick, has abandoned the GOP after 24 years in office to join the Democratic Party. Kendrick cited deep concerns over the Republican Party's hardline immigration enforcement policies that he says "tear apart El Cajon families, drive shoppers away from our businesses, and shield abusers from accountability."

Why it matters

Kendrick's party switch is significant as El Cajon is one of the most Republican-leaning areas in the traditionally GOP-friendly San Diego region. His defection highlights the growing divide within the Republican Party over immigration issues and the party's rightward shift, which is alienating some longtime conservative officials.

The details

Kendrick, who was one of the longest-serving Republicans in municipal office in San Diego County, announced his decision to switch parties on Monday. He said he "tried his best to fix the party from within" as "MAGA extremists" took over, but now believes "the Republican Party is beyond redemption." Kendrick has been critical of the party's support for aggressive immigration enforcement, including joining a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement after federal agents killed two people in Minneapolis.

  • Kendrick has served on the El Cajon City Council since 2002, a tenure of 24 years.
  • Kendrick announced his party switch on Monday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Gary Kendrick

A 24-year Republican councilmember in El Cajon, California who has abandoned the GOP to join the Democratic Party.

Bill Weld

The mayor of El Cajon, who criticized Kendrick's party switch as being out of step with the conservative community.

San Diego County Democratic Party

The local Democratic Party organization that welcomed Kendrick's switch, citing concerns over "fear-driven political rhetoric and policies" around immigration enforcement.

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What they’re saying

“I cannot ignore the Republican Party's betrayal of our immigrant community, nor its disastrous impacts on the people of El Cajon.”

— Gary Kendrick, Councilmember (The San Diego Union-Tribune)

“Councilmember Kendrick's change in party affiliation comes at a moment of heightened concern over fear-driven political rhetoric and policies that have raised safety concerns for local residents, particularly around immigration enforcement.”

— San Diego County Democratic Party (The San Diego Union-Tribune)

“El Cajon is one of the few bastions of conservative thought in San Diego County.”

— Bill Weld, Mayor (The San Diego Union-Tribune)

What’s next

Kendrick plans to continue his re-election bid as a Democrat, and says he is confident voters will back his decision to switch parties.

The takeaway

Kendrick's party switch highlights the growing divide within the Republican Party over immigration issues, as some longtime conservative officials like Kendrick are abandoning the GOP over its hardline policies. This defection in a traditionally Republican area like El Cajon underscores the political risks the party faces in alienating more moderate voters on this key issue.