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Former Trump administration strategist and GOP agitator Stephen K. Bannon on Friday told California Republicans, whose state party has fallen in membership and political influence, that their salvation lies in putting aside their differences and getting to work — just as they’d done to help move President Trump to his surprise victory in November.

“We have a problem with understanding how to win. Nothing else matters,” Bannon told hundreds of Republican delegates gathered in Anaheim for the state party’s fall convention. “If you want to take your state back … you have to roll your sleeves up.”

Welcomed with a standing ovation, Bannon clung to themes of “economic nationalism” in his speech, putting the interests and fortunes of American workers ahead of the Republican establishment. He laughed off the small number of protesters outside, saying their liberal message would repel voters and help Republicans keep their targeted congressional districts.

Bannon’s fiery remarks evoked both praise and consternation among Republicans at the convention at an Anaheim hotel. Few state or federal elected officials attended his speech. But it was a popular ticket among the party’s most conservative members, as was demonstrated when Bannon’s harsh criticism of former President George W. Bush and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) was greeted with boos in agreement.