Photos: Step inside the California GOP event that drew Trump, other candidates and large crowds

A woman carries a Trump flag to a pro-Trump rally near the Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim, CA on Friday, September 29,2023. Trump, along with other Republican candidates, were speaking at the California GOP convention at the hotel. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)

By Kaitlyn Schallhorn | kschallhorn@scng.com | Orange County Register

PUBLISHED: September 30, 2023 at 3:15 p.m. | UPDATED: October 2, 2023 at 11:45 a.m.

A sea of MAGA hats and Mickey Mouse ears mingled in the lobby of an Anaheim hotel as California Republicans flocked to see presidential candidates, including former President Donald Trump, over the weekend.

Trump drew the largest crowds — some 1,500 paid to see the former president speak for more than an hour Friday afternoon over lunch, with even more people relegated to an overflow area.

South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy also pitched their platforms to Republicans over the course of the weekend.

A supporter of Sen. Tim Scott takes a selfie with him following his speech at the CAGOP Fall Convention in Anaheim on Friday, September 29, 2023. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Donald Trump speaks about water usage and the Delta smelt fish to supporters during a luncheon at the California GOP Convention in Anaheim, CA, on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Hundreds of Trump supporters gather near the entrance to the Anaheim Marriott at the intersection of Harbor Boulevard and Convention Way before Donald Trump speaks at the CAGOP Fall Convention in Anaheim on Friday, September 29, 2023. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A woman holds a pro-Trump poster as she passes a rally at Harbor Blvd. and Katella Ave. in Anaheim, CA on Friday, September 29,2023. Trump, along with other Republican candidates, were speaking at the California GOP convention at the Anaheim Marriott. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Donald Trump supporters during the California GOP Convention in Anaheim, CA, on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Donald Trump supporters wait to enter the California GOP Convention in Anaheim, CA, on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Donald Trump supporters during the California GOP Convention in Anaheim, CA, on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Donald Trump pins the California GOP Convention in Anaheim, CA, on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Mike Truong dons a ‘Trump is right” hat during the California GOP Convention in Anaheim, CA, on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Mike Truong dons a ‘Trump is right” hat during the California GOP Convention in Anaheim, CA, on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
People for and against Donald Trump clash in the plaza at a Democratic Party of Orange County event in front of the Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim, CA on Friday, September 29,2023. Trump, along with other Republican candidates, were speaking at the California GOP convention at the hotel. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Ada Briceno, Chair of the Democratic Party of Orange County, stands between her group and supporters of Donald Trump during a Democratic Party event in the plaza at the Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim, CA on Friday, September 29,2023. Trump, along with other Republican candidates, were speaking at the California GOP convention at the hotel. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A man supporting Donald Trump disrupts a Democratic Party of Orange County event in the plaza at the Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim, CA on Friday, September 29,2023. Trump, along with other Republican candidates, were speaking at the California GOP convention at the hotel. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Ada Briceno, Chair of the Democratic Party of Orange County, stands between two men for and against Donald Trump during a Democratic Party event in the plaza at the Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim, CA on Friday, September 29,2023. Trump, along with other Republican candidates, were speaking at the California GOP convention at the hotel. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
People for and against Donald Trump clash in the plaza at a Democratic Party of Orange County event in front of the Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim, CA on Friday, September 29,2023. Trump, along with other Republican candidates, were speaking at the California GOP convention at the hotel. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
People wave flags at a pro-Trump rally near the Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim, CA on Friday, September 29,2023. Trump, along with other Republican candidates, were speaking at the California GOP convention at the hotel. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
People wave flags at a pro-Trump rally near the Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim, CA on Friday, September 29,2023. Trump, along with other Republican candidates, were speaking at the California GOP convention at the hotel. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Tourists mix with pro-Trump demonstrators during a Trump rally at Harbor Blvd. and Katella Ave. in Anaheim, CA on Friday, September 29,2023. Trump, along with other Republican candidates, were speaking at the California GOP convention at the Anaheim Marriott. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Tourists mix with pro-Trump demonstrators during a Trump rally at Harbor Blvd. and Katella Ave. in Anaheim, CA on Friday, September 29,2023. Trump, along with other Republican candidates, were speaking at the California GOP convention at the Anaheim Marriott. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Trump supporters stand across from a Democratic Party of Orange County event outside the Anaheim Marriott hotel in Anaheim, CA on Friday, September 29,2023. Trump, along with other Republican candidates, were speaking at the California GOP convention at the hotel. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Donald Trump speaks to supporters during a luncheon at the California GOP Convention in Anaheim, CA, on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Donald Trump speaks to supporters during a luncheon at the California GOP Convention in Anaheim, CA, on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Hundreds of Trump supporters gather near the entrance to the Anaheim Marriott at the intersection of Harbor Boulevard and Convention Way before Donald Trump speaks at the CAGOP Fall Convention in Anaheim on Friday, September 29, 2023. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A woman carries a Trump flag to a pro-Trump rally near the Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim, CA on Friday, September 29,2023. Trump, along with other Republican candidates, were speaking at the California GOP convention at the hotel. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
People wave flags at a pro-Trump rally at Harbor Blvd. and Katella Ave. in Anaheim, CA on Friday, September 29,2023. Trump, along with other Republican candidates, were speaking at the California GOP convention at the Anaheim Marriott. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Donald Trump speaks to supporters during a luncheon at the California GOP Convention in Anaheim, CA, on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Donald Trump speaks to supporters during a luncheon at the California GOP Convention in Anaheim, CA, on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Donald Trump speaks to supporters during a luncheon at the California GOP Convention in Anaheim, CA, on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Donald Trump speaks to supporters during a luncheon at the California GOP Convention in Anaheim, CA, on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Donald Trump speaks to supporters during a luncheon at the California GOP Convention in Anaheim, CA, on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Donald Trump speaks to supporters during a luncheon at the California GOP Convention in Anaheim, CA, on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Donald Trump speaks to supporters during a luncheon at the California GOP Convention in Anaheim, CA, on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Donald Trump speaks to supporters during a luncheon at the California GOP Convention in Anaheim, CA, on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Donald Trump speaks to supporters during a luncheon at the California GOP Convention in Anaheim, CA, on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Sen. Tim Scott and presidential candidate speaks at the CAGOP Fall Convention in Anaheim on Friday, September 29, 2023. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Donald Trump speaks to supporters during a luncheon at the California GOP Convention in Anaheim, CA, on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Donald Trump speaks to supporters during a luncheon at the California GOP Convention in Anaheim, CA, on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Sen. Tim Scott and presidential candidate speaks at the CAGOP Fall Convention in Anaheim on Friday, September 29, 2023. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Sen. Tim Scott and presidential candidate is joined on stage by Chairman of the California Republican Party, Jessica Millan Patterson at the CAGOP Fall Convention in Anaheim on Friday, September 29, 2023. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Sen. Tim Scott and presidential candidate speaks at the CAGOP Fall Convention in Anaheim on Friday, September 29, 2023. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Sen. Tim Scott and presidential candidate speaks at the CAGOP Fall Convention in Anaheim on Friday, September 29, 2023. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Sen. Tim Scott and presidential candidate speaks at the CAGOP Fall Convention in Anaheim on Friday, September 29, 2023. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Sen. Tim Scott and presidential candidate speaks at the CAGOP Fall Convention in Anaheim on Friday, September 29, 2023. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 29: Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a campaign event at the Los Angeles Harbor Grain Terminal on September 29, 2023 in Long Beach, California. DeSantis is scheduled to speak at the California Republican Party Fall Convention in Anaheim, California later today. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Sen. Tim Scott and presidential candidate speaks at the CAGOP Fall Convention in Anaheim on Friday, September 29, 2023. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Sen. Tim Scott and presidential candidate is joined on stage by Chairman of the California Republican Party, Jessica Millan Patterson at the CAGOP Fall Convention in Anaheim on Friday, September 29, 2023. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Sen. Tim Scott and presidential candidate speaks at the CAGOP Fall Convention in Anaheim on Friday, September 29, 2023. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., speaks at the California Republican Party Convention, Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 29: Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a campaign event at the Los Angeles Harbor Grain Terminal on September 29, 2023 in Long Beach, California. DeSantis is scheduled to speak at the California Republican Party Fall Convention in Anaheim, California later today. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at the CAGOP Fall Convention in Anaheim on Friday, September 29, 2023. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at the CAGOP Fall Convention in Anaheim on Friday, September 29, 2023. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at the CAGOP Fall Convention in Anaheim on Friday, September 29, 2023. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, left, takes a photo with a supporter before he speaks at the CAGOP Fall Convention in Anaheim on Friday, September 29, 2023. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis concludes his speech to a standing ovation at the CAGOP Fall Convention in Anaheim on Friday, September 29, 2023. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks during a luncheon at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim on Saturday, September 30, 2023. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, gives a thumbs-up to the crowd before speaking during a luncheon at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim on Saturday, September 30, 2023. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks during a luncheon at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim on Saturday, September 30, 2023. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks during a luncheon at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim on Saturday, September 30, 2023. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks during a luncheon at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim on Saturday, September 30, 2023. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks during a luncheon at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim on Saturday, September 30, 2023. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks during a luncheon at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim on Saturday, September 30, 2023. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, answers questions from the media following a luncheon speech at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim on Saturday, September 30, 2023. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks during a luncheon at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim on Saturday, September 30, 2023. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks during a luncheon at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim on Saturday, September 30, 2023. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks during a luncheon at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim on Saturday, September 30, 2023. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks during a luncheon at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim on Saturday, September 30, 2023. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, answers questions from the media following a luncheon speech at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim on Saturday, September 30, 2023. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks during a luncheon at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim on Saturday, September 30, 2023. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks during a luncheon at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim on Saturday, September 30, 2023. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks during a luncheon at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim on Saturday, September 30, 2023. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks during a luncheon at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim on Saturday, September 30, 2023. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, waves to the crowd before speaking during a luncheon at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim on Saturday, September 30, 2023. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks during a luncheon at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim on Saturday, September 30, 2023. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, answers questions from the media following a luncheon speech at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim on Saturday, September 30, 2023. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks during a luncheon at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim on Saturday, September 30, 2023. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, answers questions from the media following a luncheon speech at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim on Saturday, September 30, 2023. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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Meanwhile, throngs of Trump supporters Friday morning lined the intersections outside the Anaheim Marriott, home of the convention, many of them wearing red, white and blue and waving “Make America Great Again” flags.

As a counter to Trump’s Friday appearance in Anaheim, the Democratic parties of Orange, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties had a Monopoly-inspired “Trump: Go Directly to Jail” rally of their own at the Anaheim Convention Center Grand Plaza. But that demonstration ended early, organizers said, because of safety reasons.

Catch up on coverage of the weekend here.