Anger, protests erupt over results of the California Democratic Party's election of a new leader

Supporters of the losing candidate in the California Democratic Party’s race for chairperson were out en masse early Sunday morning at the state convention in Sacramento, many calling for an investigation of the party’s voting process.

Longtime Democratic leader Eric Bauman eked out a victory Saturday to be the party’s next chairman, beating rival Kimberly Ellis by just more than 60 votes, according to the state party.

A spokesman for the Ellis campaign on Sunday said they are consulting with legal counsel to determine their options. Ellis has not conceded.

The race, between a party insider and a progressive organizer, was a heated battle between divergent forces that are racking the Democratic Party nationwide. Bauman was a favorite of the party establishment, while Ellis drew the backing of liberals who supported Sen. Bernie Sanders in last year’s presidential primary.

Party delegates are scheduled to meet Sunday morning at the convention, a meeting expected to grow testy.

READ MORE