When I started out on my journey to become the Congressional representative for CA 42, I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. I just knew that something had to be done about the lack of representation we were receiving from Ken Calvert – a disengaged, corrupt Congressman who has been in Congress for 26 years and who hasn’t had a town hall in our district for ten years.

I had no idea of how the political “system” worked, didn’t know anyone in the California Democratic Party, didn’t know the local Democratic Party Clubs existed, and didn’t know about the “patriarchy” that has been created in the Riverside Democratic Party.  To say that I was a neophyte, would be putting it mildly. 

What I discovered about the political system is that it is not designed for people who just want to use their life experience, education, and careers to work for the people and get the job done. It’s hard to navigate the system, and there’s no “playbook” for someone who is not familiar with the political system or process.  Of course, if you’re wealthy and can hire a political consultant, you’ll be fine. But I had to learn it all on my own, and with the help of some great people who shared their knowledge and expertise, I created a platform that did very well at the polls. It has  been a great education and I’m really glad to say I survived it! 

The Democrats I’ve met throughout CA 42 are wonderful people who are compassionate, caring, passionate, fearless, engaged, feisty, full of energy, and ready to WIN! 

Unfortunately, many Democrats in our region have been “in hiding” and they have not found an engaging and welcoming way out into the open to show that they’re “Blue in 42.” If we are to flip this region Blue, we will have to develop an easy way for Democrats to participate in a transparent, easy to access, and more user-friendly, digital friendly way. 

Now, that the final results are in for the March 3^rd primary I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to my campaign staff – led by Maria Meeuwisse and Craig Brown, and all of my supporters, volunteers, donors, and voters. I could not have done this without you, and I am humbled and honored to have earned your trust, support, and your vote.

I’m proud to say that the efforts of our small staff and volunteers was able to earn the votes of 31,587 residents in the region.  Just an FYI, that number was 1,330 more votes than the eventual Democrat nominee won in the 2018 primary. Although I was not victorious in becoming the Democratic nominee, I am so proud of our small, but mighty team. We did an incredible job on a shoestring budget in only six months!

As for my next steps, I am in the process of applying for a Political Action Committee tentatively named “Big Tent PAC.”   Big Tent will be focused on engaging, inspiring, and motivating Democrats and No Party Preference voters throughout California, with the initial focus on CA 42.  If all goes well, Big Tent will be launched in May with the goal to begin engaging residents in GOTV events, fundraising and volunteering to assist key races throughout the state.  

As for my future political aspirations, let’s just say, I’m not done yet. More to come on that.

I look forward to working with everyone in CA 42 that wants to come out of hiding, get involved, and #Flip42CA42 Blue because as everyone should know by now, #CA42Matters!

In-Service To The Greater Good,

Regina Marston