Lance Christensen, a prominent conservative voice in California politics and former candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction, recently voiced strong criticism regarding legislative negotiations with Democrats. Christensen, who has served as a legislative consultant and chief of staff to a Republican state senator, described a pattern of Democrats making promises to Republican colleagues only to renege on them.
"I remember those days & legislative negotiations very well. That's when I learned Democrats would promise their Republican colleagues the world to get hard votes before shivving them in the back without an ounce of remorse," Christensen stated in a social media post. His remarks reflect a long-standing grievance among some Republicans regarding bipartisan cooperation in the California State Legislature.
Christensen's career includes nearly two decades in public policy and political roles within California. He has held positions as a policy consultant for the Senate Republican Caucus and as a finance budget analyst. His experience provides him with an insider's perspective on the legislative process in Sacramento.
Currently, Christensen serves as the Vice President of Government Affairs & Education Policy at the California Policy Center, a conservative think tank. In this role, he frequently comments on state policy, particularly education issues, and advocates for parental rights and school choice. His public statements often highlight perceived partisan divides within the state's political landscape.
The sentiment expressed by Christensen is not uncommon in California, where Democrats hold supermajorities in both legislative chambers. This dominance often leads to accusations from Republicans of being marginalized in policy debates and legislative outcomes. Such dynamics contribute to the highly partisan environment that characterizes much of California's political discourse.