Corrin Rankin elected chair of California Republican Party during convention
SACRAMENTO – A new chair and vice chair of the California GOP were selected during the California GOP Convention in Sacramento on Sunday.
Corrin Rankin was elected chair while John Park was elected vice chair.
"It's really important for our party to come together, it sets the course for the next couple years," said the budget committee chair for the California Republican Party, Mario Guerra.
More than a thousand delegates voted on a new chair, vice chair, treasurer and secretary for the California GOP. The 2025 spring convention is all about reorganizing and passing the baton to new leadership.
"It's very empowering to be under one roof, or in this case different roofs because there are different locations of events, for everyone to unite and stand up for the Republican Party," said attendee Tina Roth.
"We've been so blessed. We had Jessica Miller Patterson, she has been amazing the last couple years. She's raised a lot of money, done a lot of great things," Guerra said.
Patterson termed out of her position. She's credited with making massive gains for California congressional seats this year and is a huge playmaker on the state level.
Sunday's vote came at a pivotal time for the Republican Party, determining whether they can continue the momentum many believe Patterson started in 2019.
"We're going to miss her. And we got some good candidates coming, but it's going to be hard to replace her," Guerra said.
Rankin and Mike Morrell were vying for GOP chair.
"By focusing on timeless Republican principles—freedom, opportunity, and accountability—we will inspire voters, empower candidates, and achieve meaningful victories across the state," a quote from Rankin reads on her website.
From Menlo Park, Rankin was elected vice chair of the California Republican Party Central Valley in 2021 before being elected as vice chair for the California Republican Party in 2023.
Former Senator Morrell said he was grateful for the support.
"I was born and raised here. I want to do everything I can to take back our state and we can't do it without, as the constitution said, 'We the people,'" Morrell said.
Attendees heard speeches Saturday from the nominees before they made the final decision on Sunday.
Sayrs Morris was elected secretary and Jack Guerrero was elected treasurer.
