Brian Maienschein
Maienschein joins Democratic Party
California 77th Assemblyman Brian Maienschein announced that he left the Republican Party and re-registered as a Democrat on Thursday, Jan. 24.
“Leaving the Republican Party is not easy. I can either keep fighting to change the Republican Party or I can fight for my constituents. I choose to use my energy and skills for the people I represent,” Maienschein said in a prepared statement.
State Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron reportedly criticized Maienschein’s move, calling him a “turncoat.”
A press release from Maienschein’s office stated: “Maienschein, a four term Assemblymember, has often been at odds with the Republican Party, voting across party lines.
Assemblymember Maienschein ran for the San Diego City Council in 2000 because he believed that government should help people and wanted to make life better for our community. He prioritized building relationships within the community to help address public service needs to better serve constituents.”
Maienschein’s service on the San Diego City Council was highlighted by his efforts helping victims of the 2003 Cedar Fire who lost their homes – including more than 300 in Scripps Ranch – by working to cut through red tape in order to speed up the process for government aid and the rebuilding process. Many residents in Scripps Ranch remember his efforts.
Maienschein’s press release included his quotes directly pointing at Republican President Donald Trump as a main factor in his decision to change parties:
“Donald Trump has led the Republican Party to the extreme on issues that divide our country, but his leadership is not the lone reason for my change in party affiliation. I too have changed. As the Republican Party has drifted further right, I – and my votes – have changed. As a single father to two girls I am guided by my hopes and dreams for their future,” explains Maienschein.
“I believe that our children, our families and our communities deserve to be protected above an unencumbered right to own automatic weapons. I believe in supporting businesses; but that the workforce needs protection – and organized labor provides that protection. I believe that health care should be accessible to everyone – no one should have to choose between medicine and buying groceries.”
“I believe in the value of life, but I will never allow interference with a woman’s right to choose. I believe that love happens in many forms and no person’s rights should be denied because of who they love. I believe that families come in all shapes and sizes and that’s a good thing. I believe that a person born outside of the US has the right to pursue his or her American dream. And I believe there is no circumstance when a child should be torn from the arms of his or her mother.”
“My reason for serving has never changed, I still believe that government should help people,” says Maienschein. “I will do everything I can to ensure that it will – as a member of the Democratic Party.”