Latest News & Statements

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez statement on former Speaker and Council President Herb Wesson representing LA City Council District 10

February 16, 2022

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez statement
on former Speaker and Council President Herb Wesson representing
LA City Council District 10

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- 

Following the announcement from Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez's announcement and proposal to have Former Assembly Speaker and Council President Herb Wesson to be caretaker for City Council District 10,  LACDP Chair Mark J. Gonzalez issued the following statement:

"Herb has and will continue to be a champion for the district he represents and the city that he loves. With so many issues facing Los Angeles right now, thanks to President Martinez, the residents of CD10 will have the representation and a voice in City Hall they deserve until Councilmember Ridley-Thomas is cleared of his charges. 

There is no one more passionate and focused about the work than Former Assembly Speaker and LA Council President Herb Wesson and I am looking forward to working with him on behalf of his district and the City of Los Angeles."

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LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez statement on the status of AB1400 in the California State Assembly

January 31, 2022

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez statement
on the status of AB1400 in the California State Assembly

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- 

LACDP Chair Mark J. Gonzalez issued the following statement on the status of Assembly Bill 1400 - "Guaranteed Healthcare for All" in the California Legislature: 

"While it’s disappointing that AB1400 did not get a vote today, I continue to remain optimistic that when we do pass single-payer, we will do it with a stronger, focused and affordable piece of legislation that our state and it’s 39 million people deserve. 

For the past few months, we’ve been leading, engaging, and working side-by-side with Democrats all across the state. We led the charge by supporting resolutions, the creation of a Countywide Taskforce, a County Chair’s Challenge, and more to talk about what’s at stake in the fight for Cal Care. We provided a framework to success when it comes to providing healthcare access for all Californians.

As the 5th largest economy in the world, we have an opportunity to show the nation just how our Golden State continues to put the needs and health of our communities first and I look forward to that continued fight."

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LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez statement on Governor Newsom's California Budget Blueprint

January 10, 2022

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez statement
on Governor Newsom's California Budget Blueprint

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- 

Following the Governor's latest announcement of his 2022 California Budget Blueprint, LACDP Chair Mark J. Gonzalez issued the following statement: 

"There’s no doubt that when California leads, our nation succeeds. With a $45.7 billion surplus, the Governor’s latest budget proposal for our state -  focused on key initiatives like achieving universal access to healthcare, tackling housing and homelessness, universal pre-k and expanded financial aid for college students, and more - shows that our leaders will continue to focus on our 39 million Californians and their families.

I  look forward to working alongside Democratic leaders here in Los Angeles to ensure that we continue to remain on a strong fiscal foundation, reflect our state's values, and achieve the Governor’s goals for our state through this California Blueprint."

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LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez statement on the anniversary of the Jan 6th Capitol Insurrection

January 6, 2022

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez statement on the anniversary of the
January 6th Capitol Insurrection

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA - 

On the anniversary of the January 6, 2021 insurrection on the United States Capitol, LACDP Chair Mark J. Gonzalez issued the following statement: 

"A year ago today, thousands stormed our Capitol building in an attempt to overturn the will of the people, and disrupt the continuity of government. Aided by the reckless and dangerous calls of a president and hundreds of Republican elected officials across the country, this mob of political terrorists incited violence, destroyed property, put members of Congress, staff members and those on the front lines at risk, caused devastating loss of life, and attempted to destroy the very fabric of our democracy. Those responsible, and those who helped plot this failed coup attempt must continue to be held responsible, including the former president.

I  was proud to be one of the 55 electors for California, and as we reflect on the events that happened on January 6, 2021, we should remind ourselves that our young nation, while fragile, is resilient and that our work continues to protect and defend this country as we build that more perfect union."

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LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez issues statement on Final Redistricting Maps

December 20, 2021

LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez statement on Final Redistricting Maps

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- 

Following the completion and approval of the California Citizens Redistricting Commission's final maps for state districts, LACDP Chair Mark J. Gonzalez issued the following statement: 

"In 2008 voters approved the “Voters First Act” giving independent commissioners the power to draw new lines all across our state. For the second time, these commissioners have spent weeks looking through data and listening to the comments and voices of those in communities of interest who would be affected by new changes in district lines. From Los Angeles County to the Capitol, these new lines are representative of the incredible diversity in our state, especially for our 15.6 million Latinos. As the largest county in the nation, we knew LA would have significant changes that our leadership and team closely monitored these past few months. 

I  thank the Commissioners, especially Commissioners Le Mons, Sadhwani, Taylor and Vasquez from here in LA County, and commission staff for their tireless work in ensuring that Californians remain truly represented up and down our state."

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LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez issues statement on Recall Results

September 14, 2021

LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez statement on Recall Election Results

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- 

Following the results of the latest recall attempt on Governor Gavin Newsom, LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez issued the following statement: 

"Tonight, Californians sent a clear message to Republicans and the rest of the nation - we will reject Trumpism at all costs, and will always back those who continue to move our state forward. 

For the 6th time, recall proponents have failed in their attempts to oust our Governor - this time using millions in taxpayer money, statewide resources, and mentally exhausting voters at a time when we should all be focused on ending this pandemic and getting Californians back in schools and back to work. 

I  am proud of the work of all of our grassroots organizations, activists, leaders and more here in Los Angeles County who stepped up to not only protect our county and state, but the future of our nation. I  look forward to Democrats getting back to work with Governor Newsom and Democratic leadership on our key priorities including expanding healthcare access, pushing for voter protection reform (including reforming our recall process), climate change initiatives, keeping families and communities safe, and keeping our Golden State the greatest in our nation."

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Why no one wants to talk about this hot-button election tool in the California recall

“'We’re not participating in ballot harvesting,' said Mark Gonzalez, chair of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, referencing a derisive term for the practice most often used by Republicans that have questioned its legality. 'That is not what the party does. We know that it’s legal, but that’s not our strategy, that is not our tool. Our tool is to make sure that every voter turns in their ballot on time and that every ballot is counted.'"

Democrats sweat turnout disaster in California without Trump to run against

“What voters have to take into consideration, and what’s at stake in this Sept. 14 recall election,” said Mark Gonzalez, chair of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, is that “if Democrats don’t vote in the recall election … we could wake up with a Trump supporter as governor of California.”

Recall Ballot Envelopes in Question over Privacy

What this campaign is doing is finding folks to create conspiracies on the recall - drum up news about it, and question the integrity of the people who are voting.

LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez issues statement on Mayor Garcetti nomination as a US Ambassador

July 9, 2021

LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez statement the nomination of Mayor Garcetti as the next US Ambassador to India

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- 

Following the announcement from the White House on the nomination of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti to be the next US Ambassador to India, LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez issued the following statement: 

"Mayor Garcetti has been a transformative and consistent leader, not only in his time as Council President but as Mayor. From Vice President Harris to Secretary Becerra and others, California, and especially Los Angeles, is continuing to lead our nation and now represent us around the globe. I congratulate Mayor Garcetti on his nomination as the next United States Ambassador to India, and look forward to speaking with Democrats about the path forward for our next Mayor as we head into our next election cycle." 

LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez issues statement on September Recall Date

July 1, 2021

LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez statement on September Recall Date 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- 

Following the announcement from the Lt. Governor on the date of the upcoming attempted recall of Governor Newsom, LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez issued the following statement: 

"Today, as millions of Americans get ready for a weekend celebrating the birth of our nation, we’re reminded that Republicans will stop at nothing to thwart democracy and overturn the will of voters when they don’t get their way. With September 14th as our target date for what we know will be a failed recall attempt, we welcome the opportunity to remind voters how Governor Newsom and his team continues to lead strategically the 5th largest economy in the world, worked to protect 39 million Californians during a pandemic, and the work Democrats are doing every day on behalf of our state." 

LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez issues statement on LA Democrats resolution standing in solidarity with the family of Andres Guardado and calling on the resignation of Sheriff Villanueva.

June 8, 2021

LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez statement on LA Democrats resolution standing in solidarity with the family of Andres Guardado and calling on the resignation of Sheriff Villanueva. 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA --  

Following the vote tonight at the Los Angeles Central Committee , LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez issued the following statement: 

“Accountability has long been one of the foundations of Democracy. As voters, we have an obligation to hold our leaders accountable for their actions, and as the Democratic Party, a responsibility to ensure that our elected officials are upholding our ideals and principles. Tonight, marking the one year anniversary of the murder of Andres Guardado, Los Angeles Democrats stand in solidarity with the Guardado family, recognizing the systematic brutality of law enforcement that has continued to shake our county. Leadership and accountability starts at the top, and while strides have been made to reform police culture in Los Angeles, it’s simply not enough. Sheriff Villanueva has had multiple opportunities since his election to reign in long standing problems within his department, which is why tonight, Los Angeles Democrats are holding him accountable and calling for his resignation. A failure to lead in Los Angeles, is a failure to serve Los Angeles. We will continue to hold those accountable who fail to live up to their obligations."