
How anti-mandate rebels took on -- and took over -- their California county
CNN
Shasta County voters turned against their Republican leaders for not being conservative enough, especially over Covid orders from the state.
It was a ballot-box success for ultra-conservatives -- one that could be repeated in local elections this year as well as primaries and the midterms as Republicans decide whether to skew right with former President Donald Trump or hew to a more traditional course.
"I think it's the Republican Party falling apart," said Leonard Moty, the loser in this month's Shasta County recall election for his supervisor seat, according to preliminary results. He says his loss is a win for extremists and warns other Republicans that the rage of the far right is driving them to take on local governments. "Don't think it's just going to go away. Don't think this can't happen to you," he said.