Thousands of California Democrats gathered in San Francisco this weekend to plan a national return to power. Delegates, activists, and elected officials crowded the Moscone Center, energized by recent victories and eager to counter President Donald Trump in the upcoming midterm elections. Supporters carried lanyards honoring Governor Gavin Newsom and tote bags displaying one of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s favorite sayings: “We don’t agonize, we organize.” Pelosi, nearing retirement, called for the end of what she called Trump’s “reign of terror,” highlighting the party’s legacy and its push for a new era. Senator Adam Schiff, a longtime critic of Trump, used California’s bear symbol as a warning. “When you poke the bear, the bear rips your head off,” he said. Schiff promised a reckoning for the administration in November, drawing loud cheers from the audience. The convention celebrated California’s recent political wins, including Proposition 50, the state’s effort to counteract Republican gerrymandering in Texas. Speakers said these successes showed the state’s importance as a blueprint for national Democrats and as a defense against Trump policies. California Democrats have long clashed with the president over healthcare cuts, immigration enforcement, and federal intervention in blue states. Trump has frequently painted California as a “liberal hellscape,” while its leaders continue to champion environmental protections, immigrant rights, abortion access, and expanded healthcare. Rising stars like Representative Robert Garcia drew major attention for his work on Trump-era investigations and the push for release of Jeffrey Epstein files. Progressive Congressman Ro Khanna also urged accountability, with audiences cheering their calls for action. The return of Trump has encouraged Democrats to adopt a more combative tone. Governor Newsom’s public mockery of Trump has influenced this new style, marked by bold rhetoric and direct challenges to the administration. The race to succeed Newsom as governor remains uncertain. California’s jungle primary system increases the risk that two Republicans could advance, leaving Democrats out of the state’s top office. DNC Chair Ken Martin stressed the need for unity, urging the party to rally behind a single candidate quickly. Recent polls show Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco leading the field. Democrats Eric Swalwell, billionaire Tom Steyer, and former Congresswoman Katie Porter trail, with many voters undecided. No Democratic candidate won enough delegates for an official endorsement. Swalwell earned roughly 25%, Betty Yee 17%, and Xavier Becerra 14%. Gubernatorial candidates used their speeches to attack Trump and promise protection for Californians. Porter led the crowd in chanting an anti-Trump slogan, while Swalwell vowed to remove Trump’s influence and ICE from state streets. Yee emphasized the need for experience to address California’s budget challenges beyond simply opposing Trump. The convention also highlighted tension between Democrats and Silicon Valley. As some tech leaders support Trump, party members warned of the sector’s unchecked influence. Lorena Gonzalez, president of the California Labor Federation, said Democrats must stop “bending the knee” to tech giants and address structural issues affecting working-class voters. Internal divisions were visible in local races. Progressive newcomer Randy Villegas, endorsed by Bernie Sanders, is running against moderate Jasmeet Bains in a key state race. Villegas called the contest a fight for the soul of the Democratic Party. Outside the convention, activists staged theatrical protests. Costumed as snails and other creatures, they demanded Democratic leaders “grow a spine” to protect immigrants and trans youth. Their message warned that Trumpism thrives when Democrats fail to respond to cruelty decisively. With these debates, rising leaders, and strategic plans, California Democrats are positioning themselves for a midterm comeback. The state hopes its approach will influence national politics and counter Trump’s agenda as voters head to the polls.