SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KERO) — Bakersfield Senator Shannon Grove is no longer in charge of California Republicans.
The GOP voted unanimously to replace Grove with Senator Scott Wilk from Santa Clarita. This comes after state Republicans lost two seats in November.
Dissatisfaction with Grove’s leadership was already mounting after Senate Republicans lost two seats this election even as California Republicans picked up multiple House seats, shriveling the Senate GOP caucus to just nine members. Grove (R-Bakersfield) exacerbated the situation with a tweet blaming the U.S. Capitol riots on antifa.
While Grove deleted and sought to walk back the tweet, sources said it amplified concerns among mainstream Republican allies like business groups that Grove embraces fringe views. She had previously asserted that President Donald Trump won a second term.
Grove will still keep her senate seat but will no longer lead the party.
“With the start of a new legislative session, I know Senator Wilk will do an outstanding job leading the caucus as we face the many challenges that lie ahead,” Grove said in a statement. “It has been an honor to serve as the Senate Republican Leader and fight for Californians who far too often do not have their voices heard in the Capitol.”
Senator Wilk commended Grove for her hard work and commitment.
