Republicans Blame Carl DeMaio for Party Division as His Group Rakes in Millions

Known for making more enemies than friends, he continues to anger his colleagues as he works to strengthen his political organization.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Republican Assemblymember Carl DeMaio's political organization, Reform California, has raised millions of dollars and become a powerful force in local GOP politics, angering his colleagues and contributing to division within the party. DeMaio has used Reform California to endorse candidates across the state, often backing more conservative candidates over establishment Republicans, and has been accused of funneling donations into his own campaign account.

Why it matters

DeMaio's actions have weakened the traditional Republican Party structure in San Diego, with the local party failing to endorse any candidates for the first time in recent memory. This highlights the growing influence of outside groups like Reform California, which are able to raise large sums of money and shape the direction of the party, even if it leads to internal divisions.

The details

In the months leading up to a local GOP endorsement vote, critics accused DeMaio of packing the party with allies to ensure Reform California would become the authority on Republican endorsements in the San Diego area. The organization raised $5 million in 2024 alone, three times more than the San Diego Republican Party. DeMaio has also used Reform California to endorse candidates across the state, from the Central Valley to Huntington Beach. Some Republicans have accused him of transferring funds from Reform California into his own campaign account after his 2024 election win, prompting a state investigation.

  • In 2024, DeMaio won a seat in the California Assembly despite opposition from San Diego Republicans and more than $2 million spent from a prominent Republican consulting firm to defeat him.
  • In 2025, the state's police union accused DeMaio of funneling donations to Reform California into his campaign account in 2024.

The players

Carl DeMaio

A Republican Assemblymember known for making more enemies than friends, he continues to anger his colleagues as he works to strengthen his political organization, Reform California, one of the state's biggest conservative fundraising machines.

Corey Gustafson

The former San Diego County Republican Party chair who was ousted after refusing to back DeMaio's 2024 Assembly campaign.

Kristie Bruce-Lane

The candidate DeMaio wants to replace outgoing Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones.

Brian Jones

The outgoing Senate Minority Leader whose seat is being targeted by DeMaio's candidate, Kristie Bruce-Lane.

Corrin Rankin

The chair of the California Republican Party, who has been criticized for lacking strong leadership.

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What they’re saying

“These are people who don't actually want to fight in California. They're part of the 'surrender caucus.' I don't worry what other people have to say about me and our movement. We took on both political parties in 2024, and we beat them.”

— Carl DeMaio

“I endorsed Ed Musgrove because he is the strongest candidate to win this seat and deliver results for the communities I represent and love. Republican division at the local level only fuels the sweeping advance of Democrat rule in San Diego.”

— Brian Jones, State Senator

What’s next

The California Fair Political Practices Commission is investigating the allegations that DeMaio funneled donations from Reform California into his own campaign account.

The takeaway

DeMaio's growing influence through Reform California has weakened the traditional Republican Party structure in San Diego, contributing to internal divisions and raising concerns about the consolidation of power by outside groups. This highlights the challenges facing the GOP in California as it struggles to adapt to demographic changes and a shifting political landscape.