U.S. Rep. Mimi Walters painted a dire picture for her fellow California Republicans Friday night. Headlining a congressional dinner at the state party's annual convention, Walters warned that Democrats are targeting Republicans "and nowhere harder than right here in California."
Walters, who herself is facing a competitive race with four Democrats challenging her, acknowledged that winning House seats this year will be tough for Republicans. Democrats are going after 10 Republican-held House seats in California, seven of which in districts won by Hillary Clinton in 2016.
"The Democrats think there's no stopping them this time. They're not just coming for any one of us; they're coming for all of us." But, she added, "This isn't going to go the way they think it is."
Donald Trump was not her first choice to be the Republican candidate for president in 2016, Walters said, but she has come to appreciate how he connected with voters.
His gains for the Republican agenda _ strengthening the border, improving the economy and hacking away at regulatory red tape _ are what's at stake in this year's election, Walters said.
The Republican Party, she added, is worth the fight, time and effort.
"I'm ready for the fight," Walters said. "Who's with me?"
The response could not be described as raucous.
