by Roger Riffenburgh
Businesswoman Corrin Rankin is a Republican leader who has spent years working hard for California Republicans and is now running to be the Chair of the California Republican Party. Rankin has been a leader in all three of President Trump’s campaigns, a leader of her small business and her industry, a rising figure in the CAGOP, and a mother of three. She was elected as the statewide Vice Chair of the Party in early 2023, and has spent the last two years travelling throughout the state promoting the party and supporting candidates.
Rankin’s vision for the state party includes four key points: building “on our shared values to unify our party”, leading as “the party of solutions”, protecting every vote, and having a broad-based party. Her comprehensive plan includes focused messaging on issues that Californian care about, sustainable fundraising, holding Sacramento accountable when they implement leftist policies, and expanding voter registration efforts.
Corrin Rankin was born in San Mateo County and grew up in Menlo Park. Her father owned a bail bonds business where she started working at a young age. As the internet was beginning to become an important factor in people’s lives, she began working at tech companies in Silicon Valley. There she learned to deal with managing staff, technical support, and legal and compliance matters.
In 2002 Corrin rejoined the family bail bonds business and soon became its leader. She built and ran the company successfully for about 15 years. The company was responsible for making sure thousands of accused criminal defendants showed up in court to face charges. She also got involved in the San Mateo County Republican Party, eventually serving as First Vice Chair. When progressive politicians threatened the bail bonds industry, Corrin became a leader in defending the industry. During that time as a business owner and single mom, she raised three daughters, all of whom made it into college and are now adults.
In 2016 she served as a surrogate for Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, as a national convention delegate, and as the statewide director of African Americans for Trump.
She relocated to San Joaquin County and got involved in Republican politics there. In 2021 she was elected the Central Valley Regional Vice Chair for the California Republican Party. She implemented a winning model “built on aggressive voter registration, targeted outreach, and strong coalition-building”. It was successful, as Republicans elected John Duarte to Congress and defended Dem target Representative David Valadao in the 2022 elections.
Since announcing her candidacy for CAGOP Chair, Rankin has received endorsements throughout the state from party leaders, grassroots volunteers and elected officials, including 16 Republican members of the California Legislature. The election will be held at the California Republican Party convention General Session in Sacramento on Sunday, March 16.
When she has free time, Corrin likes to spend it with her husband Aaron and their children and grandkids. You can learn more about Corrin Rankin’s campaign for state party chair on her campaign website, CorrinRankin.com.
