Sara Ochoa’s New Vision for the San Diego County Democratic Party

This is an “us” moment. This is a “big tent” moment. This is a time for integrity, living our values, and fighting like never before as we adapt new tools to fight unprecedented crises. Democrats are the true patriotic defenders of our democracy, and our community is looking to us to lead the fight to defend our values in a rapidly changing landscape.

Sara approaches politics strategically and understands the importance of “simply doing the work” without excessive fanfare. Plan details including strategies and tactics will not be advertised publicly in order to prevent our political opponents from mobilizing against us. For example, prior leadership repeatedly proclaimed plans to take over SANDAG, but many successes at that Board are being quietly undone by our opposition through under-the-radar organizations such as LAFCO. Our internal documents and recordings of our meetings have been leaked to those who oppose us who immediately post them to social media. As we collectively discuss our Party’s future, we would be wise not to publicly disclose sensitive strategic plans.


Sara’s vision as discussed with voting members of the Central Committee includes approaches to -

  • Elect More Democrats

  • Support Elected Democrats from Right Wing Attacks

  • Build Credibility: Register More Democratic Voters; Enfranchise Left-Leaning Communities

  • Forge a United Front

Sara has a plan to increase engagement and accountability with the unique communities throughout our beautifully diverse county. Sara will remain informed in this environment of change through ongoing engagement of membership, elected officials and candidates, and the creation of Advisory councils which may provide Party-wide messaging, advisement to the Chair, and informed presentations to Central Committee on emerging issues including:

  • LGBTQ+ solidarity

  • Veterans Affairs

  • Housing and Homelessness

  • Education

  • Young Democrats

  • Black and African Diaspora Community

  • Environment (including disaster preparedness and frontline communities)

  • Labor Solidarity

  • Immigrant Rights

Building Unity and Diversity

Selfless Service and a Vision for the Party

The position of Party Chair should be treated with all the trust of our body and impacted community, and should center service above self. It should be about being a selfless leader, focused on remaking our institution to better serve our communities. It should be inclusive; not about one individual or their aspirations or avoiding difficult conversations. It should be about holding space for those who have been left behind and making space in our “Big Tent” for all, not just a few. It should be about implementing restorative justice and calling in rather than calling out, to hold grace and space for each other and modeling community responsibility at every point of engagement.

Sara will ensure the Party is responsive to all.