Corporate Democrats Dominate California Democratic Party Convention in San Francisco

Party establishment controls agenda, excludes progressive voices like Sanders and Warren

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The California Democratic Party is holding its midterm convention in San Francisco this weekend, but the agenda is dominated by corporate-aligned Democrats. Big-name progressive speakers like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren were excluded, while party insiders and establishment candidates like state Sen. Scott Wiener are set to take the stage. The lack of economic populist messaging and focus on issues like the billionaire tax is seen as a sign that the party is firmly in the control of its corporate wing.

Why it matters

The California Democratic Party convention is an important event that sets the tone and priorities for the party heading into the midterm elections. The exclusion of progressive voices and emphasis on establishment candidates signals that the party leadership is more focused on maintaining the status quo than addressing growing concerns about economic inequality and the influence of the wealthy.

The details

The 151 super-delegates who will vote on party endorsements are mostly elected officials and Democratic club representatives, a group that is heavily influenced by corporate interests. State Sen. Scott Wiener, the candidate of the party establishment, is expected to easily secure the endorsement in the San Francisco Congressional race, while more progressive challengers like Sup. Connie Chan and Saikat Chakrabarti were largely shut out. Other high-profile progressives like Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren were not invited to speak, despite their popularity with the party's grassroots. The agenda also notably lacks any discussion of the billionaire tax, a key policy proposal championed by unions and activist groups.

  • The California Democratic Party convention is taking place this weekend (February 19-21, 2026) at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.
  • The pre-endorsement caucus vote, where state Sen. Scott Wiener secured the party's backing in the San Francisco Congressional race, occurred prior to the convention.

The players

California Democratic Party

The state-level organization of the Democratic Party in California, responsible for coordinating campaign efforts, endorsing candidates, and setting the party's agenda.

Scott Wiener

A state senator representing San Francisco who is the establishment-backed candidate in the city's Congressional race.

Connie Chan

A San Francisco supervisor who received 30 votes in the pre-endorsement caucus, challenging Wiener for the party's Congressional endorsement.

Saikat Chakrabarti

A progressive activist who received no votes in the pre-endorsement caucus for the San Francisco Congressional race.

Bernie Sanders

A U.S. senator and former presidential candidate known for his economic populist message, who was not invited to speak at the convention.

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What they’re saying

“The message so far: Don't talk about economic inequality—and don't mention the billionaire tax.”

— Tim Redmond, Author (48hills.org)

“That seems silly to me: Sanders, Khanna, and Warren are both immensely popular with the party's grassroots, and if this convention is about generating energy for the mid-terms, they could help.”

— Tim Redmond, Author (48hills.org)

What’s next

The California Democratic Party will vote on endorsements for all statewide offices during the convention, though it's unlikely any candidate for governor will secure the party's backing. The race for insurance commissioner, where Working Families Party leader Jane Kim is running, could see a party endorsement.

The takeaway

The exclusion of progressive voices and emphasis on establishment candidates at the California Democratic Party convention suggests the party leadership is more focused on maintaining the status quo than addressing growing concerns about economic inequality and the influence of the wealthy. This could dampen enthusiasm among the party's grassroots ahead of the crucial midterm elections.