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Trump to CA Republicans: 'I Would Win California if Election Wasn't Rigged'
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By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 10 months ago on
September 29, 2023

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Former President Donald Trump delivered what his estimated 1,500 supporters wanted to hear during the keynote speech at the California Republican Convention on Friday in Anaheim.

Regarding his four federal indictments, Trump said that’s more than notorious mobster Al Capone had. Trump called the indictments “a badge of honor. I’m being indicted for you.”

During a lunchtime speech, the runaway polling leader for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination said he would easily win California if the election wasn’t rigged.

“I’m here to tell you, help is on its way,” Trump said.

His 90-minute-plus speech relied on storytelling and humor.

He constantly bashed California policy, and its well-known problems such as crime, blackouts, homelessness, and much more.

He did not mention the death of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, barely mentioning the vacancy in passing when making fun of Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, who is running for the seat in 2024.

Tickets for the lunch cost $600, and $1,000 to sit closer to the front. Some supporters also paid five figures for a special meet and greet before the event.

Supporters of former President Donald Trump engage with members of the Democratic Party of Orange County holding a rally where the 2023 California Republican Convention is being held in Anaheim, Calif., Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. (AP/Damian Dovarganes)

Latest Polling

Trump is the runaway poll leader at 54.8%, according to the averages of national polls calculated by fivethirtyeight.com.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is a distant second at 13.5%, and no one else is in double figures.

California Bashing, But He Likes Newsom

Trump took his usual pot-shots at California leaders.

“Nancy Pelosi … how is her husband by the way?” Trump said about Paul Pelosi, who was violently attacked at his San Francisco home last year.

Trump said he actually likes Gavin Newsom personally, but certainly not his policies.

“Gavin has become Crooked Joe Biden’s top surrogate,” Trump said.

A name drop of Devin Nunes, the one-time Central Valley congressman and now working for Trump’s social media company drew applause from the crowd. It was in relation to Trump talking about California’s “man-made drought.”

He blamed Newsom, the “radical left,” and the Delta smelt.

“That little f****r is not allowing you to clean yourself,” Trump said.

Regarding his four federal indictments, Trump said that’s more than notorious mobster Al Capone had. Trump called the indictments “a badge of honor. I’m being indicted for you.”

“In the end, they’re not after me, they’re after you,” Trump said.

Trump also discussed transgender issues. He supports parental notification rights and opposes transgender women competing in women’s sports.

A man holds a Donald Trump hat as the former president speaks at the California Republican Party Convention Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP/Jae C. Hong)

Trump Also Said …

Other speech highlights:

He would solve the border problem within 24 hours;

Made fun of electric cars, but said customers should have an option;

Took a shot at the media, seated at the back of the room;

Said he would utilize the Department of Justice to investigate “radical” district attorneys;

Advocated for shooting robbers when they leave a store (the audience responded with a standing ovation and a “Trump! Trump!” chant);

He mentioned GOP opponent Chris Christie, calling the former New Jersey governor “a loser”; and Florida Ron DeSantis “DeSanctimonious.”

“I’m the one who turned Florida red, not him,” Trump said of DeSantis;

Will use federal law to remove and expel known foreign (i.e. MS-13) gang members;

He will settle the Russia-Ukraine war, saying it would have never started if he was president.

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David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

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