From the desk of:
Ingrid Lake
CFRW President
April 20, 2026
Welcome to this week’s SPARK
Spotlight, Positivity, Action, Reflection, and Knowledge
PRESIDENT'S WEEKLY SPARK
REFLECTION: After the Attempt: A Call to Prayer
The latest assassination attempt on President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 25, 2026, serves as a stark reminder of the fragile line between political passion and violence in our deeply polarized nation. An armed intruder opened fire near the event’s security checkpoint, prompting swift action by Secret Service agents who neutralized the threat, evacuated the president and other officials unharmed, and prevented a potential tragedy amid a room filled with journalists, dignitaries, and Cabinet members.
This incident—the third major attempt on Trump in recent years—forces us to confront the toxic undercurrents of our discourse, where heated rhetoric too often blurs into incitement, eroding the norms of democratic disagreement. While the suspect now faces serious federal charges, including attempted assassination, the event underscores a troubling rise in political violence that transcends any single figure or party.
It calls for renewed commitment to civility, stronger security where needed without sacrificing openness, and a collective rejection of extremism—lest we allow fear and division to define the American experiment rather than resilience and unity.
In the midst of these challenges, let us continue to pray for our President, his family, and everyone serving in his administration and with his causes—for their safety, wisdom, strength, and protection as they navigate these turbulent times.
PRO TIP: Don’t skip the underlined text! Each link opens the door to valuable resources, connections across our Federation, and simple next steps to help you take action.
SPARK in Practice:
When you see an event or deadline in this email, add it to your calendar right away.
A quick step now makes participation much more likely.
Mark your calendars for our next CFRW Board of Directors Meeting, coming up on Saturday, June 27th, via Zoom. We look forward to bringing leaders from across California together for an important day of connection, updates, and federation business.
Please save the date now and stay tuned for additional details and agenda information in the weeks ahead! Times have not been set, but this will most likely be a half-day program. Stay tuned for details!!
SPARK: Action in Motion — The May Membership Surge Is Here!
It’s ON—and May is our moment to grow.
The CFRW May Membership Surge Contest is about to officially start, and this is more than a challenge—it’s an opportunity to build energy, expand our reach, and strengthen every club across California. From May 1–31, every club is competing within its membership category, and the goal is simple: the highest combined number of new members and renewals wins.
And yes—there’s a reward! Winning clubs in each category will receive two free registrations to the Summer Zoom Board of Directors Meeting.
But more than that, this is about momentum. It’s about growth. It’s about showing what happens when CFRW women take action.
So what can you do this month? Let’s make it practical:
Invite intentionally. Think of 3–5 women you can personally invite this month—friends, neighbors, colleagues. A personal ask still works best.
Create a welcoming first step. Consider offering a “first meeting free” guest pass or host a “Bring a Friend” luncheon or event to make it easy to say yes.
Leverage the moment. Plan a simple Mother’s Day-themed gathering or a casual patriotic social—something fun, inviting, and easy to attend.
Celebrate recruiters. Recognize members who bring guests or new members—momentum builds when people feel appreciated.
Follow up quickly. Every guest should hear from your club within 24–48 hours. That’s where interest turns into membership.
Remember—this isn’t about the biggest club. It’s about growth. Every single club has a real shot to win.
So ask yourself: Who can I invite this month?
Let’s build energy. Let’s expand our reach. Let’s grow the Federation—together.
New Speakers to Announce
Our first Distinguished Speaker of the year, Assemblymember David Tangipa, set an incredible tone for this year’s Distinguished Speaker Series. He was generous with his time, thoughtful in his insights, and gave our members a meaningful look at the priorities shaping our state—along with a few announcements we had the privilege of hearing before they were made public.
Opportunities like this are exactly what make CFRW membership so valuable: direct access, real conversations, and relationships that keep us informed and engaged. As we build on this strong start, we now turn our focus to two important statewide races coming up. These offices impact every corner of California, and ensuring strong Republican leadership in these roles will take all of us staying informed, involved, and ready to act.
Did you know the last time California elected a Republican to statewide office was in 2006?
That year, Arnold Schwarzenegger was re-elected Governor, and Steve Poizner was elected Insurance Commissioner.
Since then, not a single Republican has won a statewide race. Every constitutional office—Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Controller, Treasurer, and Insurance Commissioner—has been held by Democrats. This is why our beautiful state feels almost unrecognizable to so many of us with eyeballs and a brain!
That’s two decades – FAR TOO LONG – without statewide Republican leadership—and a clear reminder of how important it is that we engage early, stay informed, and show up ready to make an impact.
Please plan to join us at each of these special events in May to better inform your vote in the Primary in June and the General Election in November. The more we know about all the statewide candidates, the more we can talk to other Republicans to get them out to vote in EACH election!
Don’t miss this important opportunity on Monday, May 11 as CFRW welcomes candidates for California Insurance Commissioner as part of our Distinguished Speaker Series.
All Republican candidates were invited to participate, and we are pleased to host those who were able to confirm their availability. This critical statewide office impacts every Californian, making it more important than ever that our members are informed and engaged.
Join us to hear directly from the candidates, gain insight into their priorities, and come ready with questions as we prepare for the Primary election.
There will be a Q&A session, so if there are questions you have for the candidates, please send them ahead of time to me, your CFRW 3rd Vice President, Bibi Mesmer.
Continue the conversation on Tuesday, May 19 as CFRW hosts candidates for California Lieutenant Governor.
All Republican candidates were invited to participate, and we look forward to hearing from those who were able to join us. As a statewide office that plays a key role in shaping California’s future, it is essential that our members take the time to learn about the candidates and their vision.
Join us for this opportunity to hear directly from the candidates, ask questions, and stay engaged as we head into the Primary election.
There will be a Q&A session, so if there are questions you have for the candidates, please send them ahead of time to me, your CFRW 3rd Vice President, Bibi Mesmer.
The work you are doing in your clubs and communities truly matters, and it does not go unnoticed. Thank you for showing up, staying engaged, and continuing to lead with purpose. Together, we are making a difference across California!!
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Our mailing address is:
California Federation of Republican Women
428 J St Ste 400
Sacramento, CA 95814
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