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Santa Clarita Today
By the People, for the People
Columnist Blames One-Party Rule for California's Problems
Brian Richards argues that California's high costs, poverty, and other issues are not the fault of the president, but rather the result of decades of Democratic control.
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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In a letter to the editor, Brian Richards criticizes Californians who blame President Trump for the state's problems, arguing that the real culprit is one-party Democratic rule over the past 25 years. Richards cites issues like high housing costs, gas prices, taxes, poverty, and poor education performance as evidence that the state's policies under Democratic leadership have failed. He calls on readers to vote for competent leaders who can solve problems instead of making them worse.
Why it matters
This letter reflects a common political debate in California, with conservatives arguing that the state's problems are due to Democratic policies, while liberals often blame external factors like the federal government. The column provides insight into how some residents view the state's challenges and the role of the political party in power.
The details
Richards questions whether issues like high housing costs, gas prices, taxes, poverty, and poor education are the fault of the president, or the result of one-party Democratic rule in California over the past 25 years. He argues that the state's high costs and poor performance on metrics like poverty and unemployment are not due to the weather or the size of the economy, but rather poor governance. Richards calls on readers to vote for competent leaders who can solve problems instead of making them worse, rather than continuously blaming President Trump.
- The letter was published on February 13, 2026.
The players
Brian Richards
A resident of Stevenson Ranch, California who wrote the letter to the editor criticizing one-party Democratic rule in the state.
Gavin Newsom
The current governor of California, who Richards suggests may run for president in the future.
Eric Swalwell
A Democratic politician who Richards suggests could potentially become the next governor of California.
What they’re saying
“Is it the president's fault that our K-12 education is currently ranked 32nd? That number of course is a farce since it's only that high because of various wealthy enclaves that are doing fairly well. Too many kids in this state are functionally illiterate. Is that the president's fault?”
— Brian Richards (signalscv.com)
“And now in addition to all the misery caused by one-party rule, the royals in Sacramento are toying with a mileage tax. And please don't be stupid enough to think it will replace the gas tax. It will not and we will continue to drive on horrible roads with freeway projects that take decades.”
— Brian Richards (signalscv.com)
The takeaway
This letter highlights the ongoing political debate in California over the role of Democratic policies in the state's challenges, with conservatives arguing that one-party rule has failed Californians while liberals often blame external factors. The column provides a window into how some residents view the state's governance and the need for competent leadership to address long-standing problems.
