Description
The California Democratic Council (CDC) was established in 1953 and is a federation of local volunteer clubs. CDC endorsements
and campaign support led to the first full statewide slate of Democrats in 40 years (1954) and also figured prominently in
the election of Edmund G. Pat Brown as California governor in 1958. The collection consists of correspondence, minutes, newsletters,
resolutions, and notes of the California Democratic Council from 1963-80.
Background
The California Democratic Council (CDC), a federation of local volunteer clubs, was established in 1953; under the direction
of founding president Alan Cranston, the CDC was able to balance its electoral and legislative goals; CDC endorsements and
campaign support led to the first full statewide slate of Democrats in 40 years (1954) and also figured prominently in the
election of Edmund G. Pat Brown as California governor in 1958; as the CDC's focus became increasingly ideological, tensions
led to a steady decline in its membership and presence in California politics; membership peaked at 75,000 in 1964.
Extent
51 boxes (25.5 linear ft.)
1 oversize box
Restrictions
Property rights to the physical object belong to the UCLA Library Special Collections. Literary rights, including copyright,
are retained by the creators and their heirs. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright
and pursue the copyright owner or his or her heir for permission to publish where The UC Regents do not hold the copyright.
Availability
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE AT SRLF: Open for research. Advance notice required for access. Contact the UCLA Library Special
Collections Reference Desk for paging information.