California Democratic Party Convention gets rolling

The California Democratic Party Convention is underway in Sacramento. Hot topics: The mid-term elections and how best to target vulnerable Republican seats.

In a preview of the speech he'll give Saturday afternoon, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said he wants to lift party spirits.

"I think you can be depressed for about 10 minutes a day," he tells KPCC. "You can yell at the TV screen for a little while. But then get back to work, that's my message, and let's go win some elections. Let's go get some good legislation, let's protect people's healthcare and let's realize the strength that we have in California that can not only influence national political future but can make people's lives better today."

Delegates will also elect a new chairperson for the state organization. Carla Marinucci with Politico tells KPCC the contest will be competitive.

"The race to succeed John Burton, who's a legend in the party, is going to be key. You've got Eric Bauman, who's openly gay and a long-time organizer in the party, considered the insider. But then you've got Kimberly Ellis: African American, mother of two, big credentials at Emerge America. And she's sort of representing the "Berniecrat" party," Marinucci says.

Other new names and faces may also emerge throughout the weekend.

Capital Public Radio reporter Ben Bradford says Southern California is a high-profile county for the Democratic Party.

"There certainly is a sense that there are several seats that were much closer races than there were in the past, particularly in Orange County, which has long been a kind of haven for Republicans," Bradford says. "And you know, I think one of the debates among the people running for party chair is you know who can do a better job at attacking these districts that are potentially up for grabs."

Key convention speakers include DNC Chair Tom Perez, Congressman Adam Schiff of Burbank and former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.