Parties issue joint statement blaming political actors for character assassination

July 31, 2024 (San Diego) - Will Rodriguez-Kennedy, the former chairman of the San Diego County Democratic Party, has been cleared of all wrongdoing after a two-year-old lawsuit alleging assault was withdrawn by Oscar Rendon. The District Attorney earlier declined to file charges against Rodriguez-Kennedy.

Rodriguez-Kennedy and Rendon today issued this joint statement: “Recently we have had the opportunity to meet and discuss a misunderstanding that caused us both a lot of pain. It is unfortunate that certain political actors took advantage of this misunderstanding in an effort to damage William's reputation and career. “With this behind us, we are wishing each other the very best as we move on with our lives. William and I would like everyone to respect our peace and privacy moving forward.”

Marlea Dell’Anno, attorney for Rodriguez-Kennedy, pointed to an increasing rise of violence and harassment in local and national political discourse as a contributing factor in the severe harm suffered by her client. “Our position was clear from day one: Will Rodriguez-Kennedy was always innocent. Will and Oscar have reconciled, and we have identified the true villains in this tragic story of political violence.”

Update July 31, 2024:  Rendon has withdrawn his lawsuit and issued a joint statement with Rodriguez-Kennedy, who is now cleared of all wrongdoing.  

By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

Photo:  Will Rodriguez-Kennedy. Photo by Chris Jennewein

May 7, 2022 (San Diego) - The chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party revealed Friday he will take a leave of absence amid reported allegations of assault.

By Miriam Raftery

Update March 30:  Rodriguez-Kennedy has been released from the hospital and contiues his recovery at home.

Three members of Congress, including Republican Senator Rand Paul, also test positive

Photo: Will Rodriguez-Kennedy, Kelvin Barrios and Steve Padilla are all hospitalized with COVID-19

Update March 26, 2020  - Will Rodriguez-Kennedy, the county Democratic Party Chair, is now out of the V.A. hospital after being ill for 13 days including nearly a week "fighting for my life"  in the hospital, including "terrifying periods where I struggled to breathe." On Facebook, he thanked his medical team adding, "If there is anyone out there who is not taking this seriously, change your opinion now. COVID19 could have killed me.

Will Rodriguez-Kennedy, Chairman of the San Diego County Democratic Party, is hospitalized in an intensive care unit at the Veterans Administration Medical Center. Chula Vista City Councilman Steve Padilla, who also chairs the California Coastal Commission, has also been hospitalized and on a respirator after testing positive. Kelvin Barrios, a candidate for San Diego City Council in District 2, is on a respirator as well.