Cara Brown McCormick
California's registered political parties are laying out their cases to voters ahead of the next election. From calls for socialist transformation to promises of individual liberty, each party offers a distinct vision for the Golden State.
Here are the official Statements of Purpose from all six qualified parties.
Editor's Update (5/27/26): Following the publication of this article, the California Secretary of State updated the statement of purpose filed for the American Independent, Democratic, Peace and Freedom, Libertarian, and Republican Parties.
American Independent Party
The American Independent Party is calling on Californians to reject the two-party system and vote their conscience.
In their statement, the party writes:
"The American Independent Party is the fastest growing movement in California.
"Voters are increasingly embracing our fresh approach to foster a more productive conversation. Our principles in promoting a healthy democracy require independent thinking and rejecting partisan polarization.
Informed Citizenship
Freedom of independent thought
Civic participation and respectful conversation
Positive engagement using a constructive voice
"The antiquated two-party system has failed.
"Californians are rejecting politics-as-usual and are leaving the State. Real candidates discuss important issues with the People. They have honesty and integrity, and work hard to unite us. Our votes should never be taken for granted.
We deserve better.
Stronger Accountability
Transparent stewardship of public resources
Inspirational public service and volunteerism
Elect leaders that implement effective solutions
"Join the fastest growing movement in California and register to vote AI.
"For more information, please visit: www.aipca.vote."
— Victor Marani, State Chairman
California Democratic Party
The California Democratic Party is centering its message on equity, affordability, responding to ICE, and fighting for vulnerable communities.
"California Democrats invite you to join us in defending the fundamental rights of every Californian to live with dignity and respect. California Democrats are working to protect democracy and expand opportunity by:
- Tackling the affordability crisis by delivering historic minimum wage increases, expanding overtime protections, strengthening labor standards and expanding CalFresh and child care support.
- Putting patients before profits by expanding access to Medi-Cal, lowering prescription costs and protecting and expanding reproductive and gender-affirming health care.
- Fighting for working families by supporting union jobs, protecting Social Security and Medicare, expanding veteran services, and strengthening public education.
- Protecting Californians from militarized ICE raids and demanding accountability and a federal law enforcement that respects due process and prioritizes safety in our communities.
- Keeping communities safe by curbing the devastating impacts of climate change and supporting the strongest gun safety laws in the nation.
- Protecting the vote and safeguarding our state against the national assault on Democracy and voting rights.
"California Democrats embrace unity, dignity, and inclusion and reject division and hate in all its forms.
"We invite you to join us so that together we can advance economic opportunity and the California Dream for all who seek it."
— Rusty Hicks, Chair, California Democratic Party
Green Party of California
The Green Party of California is urging bold action, calling for an EcoSocialist transformation of society and the economy.
"It's time to act! California and the world are in crisis.
"Join the Green Party in building a socially and racially just, ecologically sustainable, democratic, peaceful EcoSocialist society that exists in harmony with nature.
"Greens are the ONLY progressive national grassroots political party rejecting corporate funding. Over 350 California Greens have served in office.
"Registering Green and voting Green means:
"Economic Fairness: Living wages, unions, workers' rights. Universal healthcare, free higher education, affordable housing, food security. Tax the super-rich, close corporate loopholes.
"Bold Climate Action: A Just Transition to a clean energy economy. Phase out fossil fuels. Accelerate local, publicly-owned, renewable energy, electric-powered public transportation. Protect forests and watersheds. Regenerative agriculture.
"Human Rights: End all oppression based on race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, income. Protect immigrants, sanctuary and citizenship pathways. Indigenous rights and Black-Lives-Matter. Full abortion rights. Police accountability. End prison industries, over-incarceration, death penalty. Gun control/safety.
"Electoral Reform: Proportional representation, ranked choice voting. Publicly-financed elections, eliminate corporate bribes.
"Greens' vision won cannabis legalization, closed nuclear power plants, enabled public banking.
"It's time for change: register, vote, volunteer, and run Green!"
— Green Party of California
The Libertarian Party of California
The Libertarian Party of California is making the case for individual liberty and reduced government power as the path to a better society.
"The Libertarian Party holds that the person best qualified to live your life is you. You have the right to exercise sole dominion over your own life and to live in whatever manner you choose, so long as you do not forcibly interfere with the equal rights of other individuals to do the same. Imagine a world where that was respected. We do.
"Your body is your body. Your property is your property. Your speech and beliefs are your speech and beliefs. You own them, absolutely and undeniably. So long as you aren’t intruding on others’ rights, nobody gets to force you to do anything or take anything away from you. We deny the “right” of any government to control or dispose of your life or the fruits of your labor.
"We champion voluntary and contractual relations among individuals, not forced government compliance. Respect for individual rights is an essential precondition for a free and prosperous world. Force and fraud must be banished from human relationships. Only through freedom can peace and prosperity be realized.
"The Libertarian Party stands against authoritarians of all stripes. Help us restore American freedom! Vote Libertarian, the Party of Principle!"
— Loren B. Dean, State Chairman, The Libertarian Party of California
Peace and Freedom Party
The Peace and Freedom Party delivers the most explicitly anti-capitalist message in the voter guide, advocating for working-class power and democratic socialism.
"The Peace and Freedom Party is a working-class party in a country run by and for the wealthy and their corporations. We should not have to sacrifice our health, livelihoods, and planet for billionaires’ profits. Tax the rich, whose wealth is created by workers, to fund people’s needs.
Our Goals:
"Human Rights: Free heath care for all, including abortion and gender affirming care. Free education for everyone, preschool through university. Full immigrant rights; no deportations. End homelessness, housing for all. Living wage jobs or guaranteed income; labor rights for all. End all discrimination, racism, LGBTQ and women’s oppression. Comprehensive services for disabled people."
"Environment: Reverse climate change. Restore and protect the environment
"Justice: Abolish the death penalty. Stop police abuse and prison torture.
"Peace: No U.S. wars, sanctions, or coups. Close foreign bases.
"Democracy: Repeal California’s “top two” election law. Implement proportional representation.
"While capitalism puts the wealthy first, we continue to suffer war, police brutality, low wages, unsafe workplaces, and pollution. We advocate socialism: the ownership and democratic control of the economy by the people. By taking control of our industries and natural resources, we can make progress for the common good."
— Peace and Freedom Party
California Republican Party
The California Republican Party is focusing on affordability, safety, and economic opportunity, arguing that one-party rule in Sacramento has failed the state.
"The California Republican Party is working for a California where we can afford a home, gas, groceries, electricity, and where our paychecks go further.
"If you vote Republican, we will end policies that artificially increase prices and make housing unattainable.
"If you vote Republican, we will put public safety first. We will back law enforcement and first responders, keep repeat violent criminals off the street, and take on fentanyl with strong enforcement, prevention, and treatment.
"If you vote Republican, we will ensure schools focus on the fundamentals, expand career and technical instruction, encourage parental involvement in their child's education, and ensure students are prepared for college or a fulfilling career.
"If you vote Republican, we will fix what Sacramento has ignored: more water storage, reliable electricity, better roads and freeways, and effective wildfire prevention. We will set deadlines, track results, stop waste, and end fraud.
"If you vote Republican, we will address homelessness with compassion and results, with more mental health care and drug treatment with clear oversight of every dollar.
"Republicans stand with workers and small businesses. We believe in freedom, fair rules, and a state government that lives within its means.
"If you want real solutions, vote Republican."
— California Republican Party
Contact information for each party can be found here. Independent Voter News presents these statements for informational purposes to help voters make informed decisions.