Advertisement Central Coast Democrats choose delegates for National Convention Share Shares Copy Link Copy

On Sunday, the 20th Congressional District chose the delegates who will represent the area at the Democratic National Convention in July.Just under 300 Bernie Sanders supporters attended the caucus at Hartnell College to choose from 53 candidates.Erik Eriksen from Santa Cruz was one of those candidates."We could potentially get Bernie as the nominee based on what happens in the convention," Eriksen said. "If we have strong delegates for him that are informed passionate and can argue persuasively on his behalf then we can get him the nomination."The Salinas Homeless Union marched to Hartnell College to show support for Sanders."We need leadership in this country that cares more about regular people than powerful people," Andrew Hsia Coron exclaimed into a megaphone.The candidates ranged from local teachers and nurses to union representatives and local politicians.Over 100 Hillary Clinton supporters gathered at the Labor Temple in Salinas to pick from 30 candidates.David Kong ran in a slate with three other union members."We are trying to get the union representation, the minority representation the women representation and working families represented at the convention," Kong said.Each caucus chooses seven delegates, the three men and three women with the most votes, plus an alternate male.From those 14 people, seven will be sent to the national convention.Those delegates are determined by the outcome of the primary election in June.Jennifer Holm is a nurse at the Watsonville Community Hospital and the female delegate for Bernie Sanders with the most votes.Holm said it's not just about showing support for your candidate, but about shaping the party's platform."Regardless of who gets the nomination we need people who can bring the Democratic Party together," Holm said.Many are excited by the unique opportunity to get involved in the democratic process. "This is the first time since 1968 that California has mattered and nobody knew what to do a couple months ago people had forgotten," said Tony Russomanno of Santa Cruz."I've wanted to always be part of the bigger part of the political process," said Chris Mitchell of Pacific Grove. "I've always wanted to caucus, but you know caucusing isn't a thing we get to do in California."The top seven delegates chosen at the Bernie Sanders caucus in Salinas were: Alan Haffa, Gary Patton, Erik Eriksen, Jennifer Holm, Sandra Martinez, Tracy Chavez and alternate Andrew Hsia Coron.The top seven delegates chosen at the Hillary Clinton caucus in Salinas were: Tony Russomanno, David Kong, Victor Dubin, Carole English, Ruth Selvidge, Lauren Ross and alternate Joseph Fletcher.