Take Two translates the day’s headlines for Southern California, making sense of the news and cultural events that affect our lives. Produced by Southern California Public Radio and broadcast from October 2012 – June 2021. Hosted by A Martinez.
Earlier this week, San Diego mayor, Kevin Faulconer, spoke about his vision for the "new California Republican."
"It's time to offer California a GOP with broad appeal again," Mayor Faulconer said. "Because a vibrant competitive Republican party is good for our state."
Mayor Faulconer's vision for the party includes policies he thinks the GOP should embrace and what individuals they should better serve.
"Clearly, he has his eyes on the potential for moving up in some sort of statewide role," Michael Smolens, government and politics reporter for the San Diego Union Tribune, told Take Two's A Martinez.
While Mayor Faulconer has dismissed the notion of running for governor, Smolens said that the San Diego mayor's party has embraced the idea of him expanding his influence.
"I think the Republicans are also tired of losing. California is becoming bluer and bluer by the day. There's no statewide GOP official in the office now. He still obviously wants to be a statewide player and maybe help form a real change in the California Republican party."
Quotes have been edited for clarity.