24-year Republican official abandons party, citing GOP's 'betrayal' of immigrants

El Cajon Councilmember Gary Kendrick switches to Democratic Party, says GOP is 'beyond redemption'

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A longtime Republican official in the conservative San Diego suburb of El Cajon has abandoned the GOP, citing the party's hardline immigration policies that he says 'tear apart El Cajon families, drive shoppers away from our businesses, and shield abusers from accountability.' Councilmember Gary Kendrick, who has served for 24 years, registered as a Democrat, saying he 'tried his best to fix the party from within' but the 'MAGA extremists' have taken over and the GOP is 'beyond redemption'.

Why it matters

Kendrick's party switch is significant as El Cajon is one of the most conservative areas in San Diego County, which has trended Democratic in recent years. His decision reflects the growing divide within the Republican Party over immigration and the increasing influence of far-right factions, which is pushing some longtime GOP supporters to abandon the party.

The details

Kendrick, who was one of the longest-serving Republicans in municipal office in San Diego County, joined a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement after federal agents shot and killed two people in Minneapolis. He was also one of the few members of the El Cajon City Council to oppose resolutions defying California's 'sanctuary state' status and advocating local cooperation with ICE agents.

  • Kendrick has served on the El Cajon City Council since 2002, a total of 24 years as a Republican.
  • 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 register as a Democrat, citing the party's hardline immigration policies.

Bill Weld

The mayor of El Cajon, who slammed 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 change in party affiliation, saying it comes at a time of heightened concern 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)

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

— Bill Weld, Mayor (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)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

Kendrick's party switch reflects the growing divide within the Republican Party over immigration policy, as some longtime GOP supporters abandon the party due to its hardline stance and the increasing influence of far-right factions. This shift could have significant implications for the political landscape in conservative areas like El Cajon.