Advocacy is never easy work, but it becomes even more critical in an election year. The decisions made in November 2026, including elections for Governor and all statewide elected officials, as well as 100 legislative seats, will shape how business is conducted in California for years to come, and our industry can’t afford to sit on the sidelines.
At the California Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs Conference this fall, one message stood out: success in Sacramento belongs to those willing to take risks. To make progress, we must be willing to take bold steps, speak up and remain committed to our mission. No one will just give us a seat at the table; we have to earn it, and we must build it for ourselves.
CNCDA has built a reputation as one of the most highly respected and effective voices in the Capitol. We’ve achieved real results by staying unified and focused. Still, the Governor’s decision to veto our Document Processing Charge bill (SB 791) was a reminder that influence is never guaranteed. It has to be maintained and strengthened through ongoing relationships with legislators, staff and agency leaders. As we look ahead to a new administration, we need to ensure that CNCDA is well-positioned to build a lasting, productive working relationship with the next governor and their team early on.
That requires commitment from every member. CNCDA’s Political Action Committee gives us strength in California’s political process. Without steady support from our dealers, we potentially damage the essential relationships needed to defend our industry and advance the issues that matter most to your dealership.
California’s new car dealers provide more than 130,000 jobs and spend roughly $3.5 billion each year with other California businesses. Our presence in communities across the state drives opportunities, supports families and fuels the economy. That’s worth protecting.
This year, more than ever, we need to play to win. You can help by staying engaged, supporting CNCDA’s advocacy and standing together, ensuring that our dealers (and the hard-working Californians they support) continue to have a strong voice in Sacramento. CNCDA will continue to fight the good fight for our members and demonstrate that we are not only a respected industry but an essential spoke in the wheel that keeps California golden.
