[citation needed] From November 2014-November 2019, Hicks served as the president of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor.
[6][5] Hicks won the June 4, 2019, CA Democratic Party chairmanship election after the resignation of Eric C. Bauman and was re-elected in 2021, defeating Kimberly Ellis.
[7][8] Hicks faced scrutiny and calls for resignation from local Democratic Party leaders with many accusing him of "attempting to carpetbag his way into the State Legislature" and for refusing to step aside as Chair while campaigning for office, but agreeing to recuse himself from matters relating to the District.
[9] Hicks campaign received strong support from many statewide leaders and organizations, but failed to gain the needed support from local leaders and organizations within the District with many of it going to Santa Rosa city councilmember Chris Rogers, who was seen as the frontrunner and the progressive candidate in the race with Hicks seen as the moderate.
Hicks ultimately ended up in 3rd place in the March 5 jungle primary behind a Republican school board trustee from Del Norte, Michael Greer, and Rogers.