By Gaston Castellanos in the Fullerton Observer on June 4, 2025 •
The California Democratic Party (CADEM) concluded its 3-Day Convention in Anaheim with 4,000 activists and delegates that featured speeches by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Civil Rights Leader Dolores Huerta and California statewide and legislative leaders. United States Senator Adam Schiff took the stage and so did his colleague Cory Booker, the Senator from New Jersey.
Senator Booker’s speech, taking place Friday during the first General Session, electrified the crowd. “This state has been shaped by people who were marginalized, who were demeaned, who were degraded, but yet showed the world that we are still going to find a way here to create expanded opportunity, expanded inclusion,” said Booker. “We are going to show that the power of the people is greater than the people in power. And now, more than ever, this nation needs your light. Californians, do not be discouraged; it’s time for you all to help lead to better days.”
“I was waiting for that energy and passion. He reminded us of the long arc of history and our place in it,” said activist Priya Shah. “I was energized and inspired to keep going because it’s really tough right now.”
Shah is an educator, community organizer, and artist with more than ten years of experience teaching in Gender and Sexuality Studies departments at community colleges, Cal State, and UC universities.
She says she is going to keep fighting. “We need to make sure all of our kids are safe in our schools and public education is safe, especially in Orange County,” said Shah. “I needed to be re-energized and I got that today.”
“We are here because of people who stood up when they were told to sit down. We are here because of people who spoke up when they were told to be silent,” said Booker to the packed convention hall. “We are here because of people who marched in front of fire hoses and dogs. We are here because of people who faced outrageous obstacles. We are here because of people who banded together to say we shall overcome.”
The impact was visible. “I was sitting in a row with several activists who were moved to tears,” said Janice Corrales. Iris Mann was moved by a story he Booker told about his time as Mayor of Bayonne, New Jersey. A hurricane had struck the city and as Mayor Booker was surveying the damage, he spotted an elderly man standing in the rain and the wind during the night. He had a flashlight warning people about downed powerlines. “Booker was asking us to be the light in a darkened America,” said Mann.
The main business of the convention was electing new officers to four-year terms. Delegates selected Rusty Hicks, Chair; Deepa Sharma, 1st Vice Chair; David Campos, 2nd Vice Chair; Carolyn Fowler, Controller; and Diana Love, Secretary.
