We are discussing the current universe of registered voters in California, not the actual number of Republicans and Democrats in the state.
It is a fact that in 2002:
Democrats 45%
Republicans 35%
independents 15%
other 5%
From that universe, we have election results.
If Republican voters were a majority in California, why did California chose Gore over Bush, Clinton over Dole, and Clinton over Bush?
It's also a fact that the 45% is over-represented. A significant portion of those are fraudulent.
...which answers your question quite adroitly with a single word...
Fraud.
If just 20% of the registered voters in the Democrat party is fraudulent, the Republicans have near-parity.
20% of 45 = 9 45-9 = 36
36%Dem
35%Rep
15%Ind
9% Fraud
But you didn't get it when the Canticle helped you, I don't expect your math to be up to snuff.