Caitlyn Jenner took to social media to rally voters, sparking conversation and controversy by suggesting that California, often seen as a Democratic stronghold, has more Trump supporters than most people realize. Jenner, a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump and former gubernatorial candidate in California, shared her experience voting in the upcoming election, urging others to exercise their right to vote regardless of their state’s political leaning.
“I voted. Even in ‘blue’ California. CA has far more Trump supporters than you’d imagine!” Jenner wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “No matter how blue you think your state is—VOTE!” The post, which quickly gained traction online, has drawn a mixed reaction from both conservative and liberal users, with many expressing surprise at her assertion that Trump’s support is notably strong in California, a state President Joe Biden carried by a significant margin in 2020.
California has long been known for its progressive policies and Democratic dominance in statewide and national elections, but Jenner’s message has fueled speculation about the level of conservative support in a state where registered Democrats vastly outnumber Republicans. With her post, Jenner seems to be calling attention to California’s more diverse political landscape, a perspective that has sparked debate among political analysts.
Some conservatives see Jenner’s message as a rallying cry for California Republicans who feel outnumbered and overlooked in the state’s predominantly Democratic political scene. “California Republicans are often overshadowed, but we’re here,” commented Tim Collins, a spokesperson for a conservative group in Los Angeles. “Jenner’s words are encouraging for those of us who feel like our votes don’t count in a ‘blue’ state.”
On the other hand, Democrats and progressive activists have downplayed Jenner’s remarks, arguing that California’s strong Democratic voter turnout consistently underscores its left-leaning identity. Political science experts also weighed in, noting that while California does indeed have Republican pockets, they are generally limited to certain regions, such as parts of the Central Valley and Northern California. “It’s unlikely that conservative voters represent a serious threat to California’s Democratic stronghold,” said Dr. Laura Greene, a political science professor at UCLA. “But Jenner’s post could motivate a higher turnout from conservatives, which could influence local races.”
Jenner, who ran as a Republican in the 2021 California gubernatorial recall election, has continued to champion conservative viewpoints, frequently highlighting the issues of personal freedoms, economic policies, and what she perceives as overreach by the state government. Her message to Californians to vote, regardless of their political stance, aligns with her ongoing public push for higher engagement and representation for conservative voters in a largely Democratic state.
As the nation inches closer to Election Day, Jenner’s message is likely to resonate among conservative Californians who feel their voices are underrepresented. Whether this will impact voter turnout in California’s local and statewide races remains to be seen, but the post serves as a reminder that even in reliably “blue” states, every vote has the potential to influence the outcome.