Rusty Hicks

Rusty Hicks is an American trade unionist, serving as Chair of the California Democratic Party since 2019. Having succeeded Eric C. Bauman, Hicks unsuccessfully ran for California's 2nd Assembly District in 2024.

Early life and education Hicks was born in Fort Worth, Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and government from Austin College, before moving to Los Angeles in 2003, where he earned a Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School.

Career Hicks worked on the Barack Obama 2008 presidential campaign as the California political director.

Hicks also worked as a legislative aide to California Assembly members Mike Gordon and Ted Lieu. From November 2014-November 2019, Hicks served as the president of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. Hicks faced scrutiny and calls for resignation from local Democratic Party leaders with many accusing him of "attempting to carpetbag his way into the State Legislature" and for refusing to step aside as Chair while campaigning for office, but agreeing to recuse himself from matters relating to the District. The Hicks campaign received strong support from many statewide leaders and organizations, but failed to gain the needed support from local leaders and organizations within the District with much of it going to Santa Rosa city councilmember Chris Rogers, who was seen as the frontrunner and the progressive candidate in the race with Hicks seen as the moderate. Hicks ultimately ended up in 3rd place in the March 5 jungle primary behind a Republican school board trustee from Del Norte, Michael Greer, and Rogers. Rogers went on to win in the November 5 General Election by a 65.9% to 34.1% margin.

Electoral history

2024

2025