Latest Statements

May 2023

Los Angeles County Democratic Party Moves Annual Major Fundraising Event from Universal Studios in Solidarity with the WGA

Los Angeles County Democratic Party (LACDP) has released the following statement in support of the WGA strike:

"The Los Angeles County Democratic Party (LACDP) relocates its major annual fundraiser, the JFK Awards, with over 500 attendees from Universal Studios Hollywood in strong solidarity with the Writers Guild of America - West. The Los Angeles County Democratic Central Committee, the largest central committee in the nation representing over 3.1 million registered Democrats, is moving its scheduled annual fundraising event from Universal Studios Hollywood to the Loews Hollywood Hotel, a union hotel.

Mark Gonzalez, Chair of the party, stated, “We stand in strong solidarity with our sisters, brothers, and siblings from the Writers Guild of America - West, which is on strike against all major studios, including NBCUniversal. Democrats across the country have joined writers on the picket line.”  The LACDP joins President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, and many others in labor, community, and business are sending strong statements of support for the striking writers and all those in entertainment unions across the board for a fair wage and contract now.”

Meredith Stiehm, President of Writers Guild West, stated, “On behalf of the over 11,500 Guild members, we thank the Los Angeles County Democratic Party for standing with us. Media Giants like Comcast are lowering the standards for working writers. They must return to the table and negotiate a fair contract.”

The Comcast Corporation owns Universal Studios Hollywood as part of Comcast’s NBCUniversal business. The NBCUniversal business also operates multiple entities that employ WGAW members under the Guild’s industrywide collective bargaining agreement."

 

January 2023

LACDP Recording Secretary's Statement on the Monterey Park Shooting

LACDP Recording Secretary's Statement on the Monterey Park Shooting

 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA –-

The Los Angeles County Democratic Party (LACDP) Recording Secretary Olivia Lee and long time resident of the San Gabriel Valley today released the following statement following the tragic shooting in Monterey Park:

 

"We are appalled by the horrific and senseless mass shootings in Monterey Park and Alhambra. Lunar New Year should have been a time of joyous celebration for families. Our hearts and deepest condolences are with the victims, their loved ones, and our communities in mourning the devastation of the tragic gun violence."

October 2022

Los Angeles Democratic Party Leaders release joint statement calling on the resignation of Los Angeles City Leaders

Los Angeles Democratic Party Leaders release joint statement calling on the resignation of Los Angeles City Leaders

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- 

With the release of leaked audio from a conversation between Los Angeles City Councilmembers Nury Martinez, Kevin DeLeon, and Gil Cedillo, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J Gonzalez and Officers Patricia Sanders, Sergio Carrillo, Olivia Lee, Marcella Cortez and Jacob Haik released the following statement: 

"For decades, our communities have worked side by side to build a better, more progressive, and welcoming Los Angeles.  Through our collective work, we have witnessed and experienced hateful, divisive rhetoric directed towards us, our colleagues and our communities and focused our energy on ensuring that our Party and those we represent know that hate has no place in the work we do on behalf of our 3.1 million Democrats. 

The hateful comments aimed at an innocent child, the attempts to divide and destabilize Black and Brown communities for the sake of power, and the slurs hurled at our Asian-Pacific, Indigenous, Armenian and LGBTQ communities were not only appalling, but unbecoming of those who the people have trusted to lead. As we learn and hear more about the conversation that took place between four prominent Los Angeles leaders, we’re cognizant of not only the moment, but what is needed to move the City of Los Angeles forward. As leaders of the largest, local Democratic Party in the nation, we are trusted to stand up for our party’s values and principles of inclusiveness, protecting our communities, and building a better America. Our process sometimes requires us to listen to and vote as a Central Committee on the fate of our elected officials, but we understand the urgency of situation. Today, we’re calling on the resignation of Councilmembers Martinez, deLeon and Cedillo so that Los Angeles can begin not only a healing process, but use this moment to reevaluate and identify appropriate steps to put the power back with the people. 

Over the next few months, we plan on working with our leaders, organizations, labor unions, grassroots activists and more to ensure that all voices are heard when coming up with solutions. As President Biden has said, we need to heal the soul of America, and now is the time for us to heal the soul of Los Angeles." 

August 2020

Response to Torrance City Council's recent vote to ban ballot drop boxes this election

August 27, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez blasts Torrance City Council's recent vote to ban ballot drop boxes ahead of November Election

LOS ANGELES, CA  -- In response to Torrance City Council's recent meeting where they voted to ban ballot drop boxes around Torrance in the upcoming election, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J Gonzalez released the following statement:  

“At a time when Donald Trump and Republicans are doing everything they can to suppress the vote and confuse Americans, it seems that Republicans in Torrance have signed onto this dangerous agenda. Their vote this week to ban drop boxes around their city adds just another hurdle for voters to exercise their right to vote. The excuses of “aesthetics,” “overcharging” and “vandalism” for the reason for their vote are just that - excuses - not rooted in reality. Secretary Padilla and the LA County Registrar have worked to ensure that our voting centers, drop boxes, and mobile voting sites for this upcoming election are safe, and secure. Shame on Republicans in Torrance for continuing the dangerous rhetoric of this president when they should be ensuring that Torrence voters are confident that their vote will be counted. LA Democrats are calling on Torrance to reverse this decision and work with the Registrar to ensure that all options are available to voters.”

Response to Vice President Joe Biden officially becoming the Democratic Nominee for President

August 20, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark  J Gonzalez responds to
Vice President Joe Biden officially accepting the nomination as the Democratic Nominee for President

 

LOS ANGELES, CA --  In response to  Vice President Joe Biden accepting the Democratic nomination for President of the United States, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez released the following statement: 

“For 47 years, Vice President Joe Biden has made America his extended family. He has put Americans first, fighting on behalf of working families, women, labor, our LGBTQI+ community and those fighting on the frontlines here and around the world. From the necessary economic recovery due to this pandemic, to ensuring a path forward reimagining public safety, Joe Biden has proven he is the right leader we need in these difficult times. Los Angeles Democrats are ready to stand shoulder to shoulder and make good trouble with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to build back America”

Response to Senator Harris's historic nomination for Vice-President

August 19, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez responds to
Senator Kamala Harris officially being nominated as the Democratic Nominee for Vice President

 

LOS ANGELES, CA --  In response to Senator Kamala Harris accepting the Democratic nomination for Vice-President of the United States, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez released the following statement: 

“Tonight, history was once again made with our Senator, Kamala Harris, accepting the Democratic nomination for Vice President. Senator Harris’ story, from her immigrant parents, her historically black education, and her passion to work toward justice on behalf of her fellow citizens is the story of America - a story that is actually what’s great about our nation. Los Angeles Democrats are so proud of our fellow Angeleno, and looking forward to making sure she makes history again as our first Black and Asian-American woman to hold the second highest office in America”

 

Response to Senator Harris being selected as the Democratic Nominee for Vice President

August 12, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez responds to
Senator Kamala Harris being named the Democratic Nominee for Vice President

 

LOS ANGELES, CA --  In response to Vice President Biden selecting Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez released the following statement: 

“From Shirley Chisholm, to Carol Moseley Braun, to Hillary Clinton, Democratic women have been our party’s backbone. I’m thrilled that our US Senator, Kamala Harris, has been selected as our party’s nominee for Vice-President along side Joe Biden. The daughter of immigrants, Senator Harris’ long, distinguished career not only as a public servant fighting for justice, but her continuous fight for working families all across our country is exactly what our nation needs in this crucial time. Senator Harris is a member of the Los Angeles County Central Committee, and we could not be more proud and excited for her. We’re 84 days away from this election, and Los Angeles County Democrats are fired up and ready to do everything we can to make sure Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are elected this November.”

July 2020

Response to Sheriff Villanueva's recent attacks on Supervisor Solis

July 27, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez responds to
Sheriff Villanueva's recent attacks on Supervisor Solis

 

LOS ANGELES, CA --  In response to recent comments made by Sheriff Villanueva, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez released the following statement: 

“LA County residents are well aware of the fraught relationship between the LA County Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff, and enough is enough. Comments made by Sheriff Villanueva during a recent broadcast towards Supervisor Hilda Solis were highly inappropriate, especially during a time where our leaders are expected to remain focused on the task at hand of keeping Angelenos safe.  I strongly urge Sheriff Villanueva to consider his statements and actions made that could deviate from that task or be misinterpreted. We’ve got a lot of work to to together, and Angelenos do not deserve this distraction"

Response to the passing of Democratic Icon, Rep. John Lewis

July 17, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez responds to the passing of
Civil Rights Icon, Rep. John Lewis

 

LOS ANGELES, CA --  In response to today's passing of Georgia Congressman John Lewis, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez released the following statement: 

"Our nation and our party is forever indebted to the leadership of Rep. John Lewis. A lion and and icon, he embodied the very best of America, pushed progressive ideals, and encouraged us to think and do better for ourselves and our fellow citizens. We will continue to honor his legacy by making "good trouble." May he rest in power."

June 2020

Response to the arrest of LA City Councilmember Jose Huizar

June 23, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez responds to today's arrest of LA City Councilmember Jose Huizar

 

LOS ANGELES, CA --  In response to today's arrest of Los Angeles City Councilmember Jose Huizar by the US Attorney, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez released the following statement: 

"It’s simple: Councilmember Huizar must resign. Bribery, honest services fraud, extortion, money laundering and violating the RICO Act are things out of a Hollywood movie and have no place in the Chamber at Los Angeles City Hall. Council District 14 deserves actual representation, and that’s why voters elected Kevin De Leon in March. As a resident of CD14, I support Council President Martinez’s call to have Jose removed if he does not resign, and urge her to appoint Kevin as the caretaker of that seat until he is officially sworn in in December. As we’ve said before, LA Democrats will and do not tolerate corruption, abuses of power and illegal dealings from the White House, and certainly not from elected leader her in the city."

Response to SCOTUS’ rejection of Trump's latest attempt to repeal DACA

June 18, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez responds to SCOTUS’ rejection of Trump's latest attempt to repeal DACA

 

LOS ANGELES, CA --  In response to today's SCOTUS decision to reject the Trump Administration's attempt to repeal the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez released the following statement: 

"Relief. That’s what over 700,000 Dreamers across our country, including thousands here in LA County, are feeling today. Our country is great because Dreamers and their families make up members of our frontline healthcare workers. Our country is great because Dreamers and their families seek the value in American education. Our country is great because Dreamers and their families keep our communities safe and thriving.

I applaud today’s SCOTUS ruling rejecting the Trump Administration’s attempt to repeal DACA. While the decision was made partly on administrative grounds, it ensures that this policy lives to see another day. We must defeat this president, and republicans, in November to make sure that policies and programs like DACA are codified and Dreamers are protected. Los Angeles Democrats will never stop fighting for them, their families, and everything that actually makes America great."

Response to SCOTUS’ rejection of Trump’s Challenge to California’s Sanctuary Law

June 15, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez responds to SCOTUS’ rejection of Trump’s Challenge to California’s Sanctuary Law

 

LOS ANGELES, CA --  In response to today's SCOTUS decision to reject the Trump Administration's challenge to SB54, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez released the following statement: 

"Since Inauguration Day, Donald Trump, Jeff Sessions and Stephen Miller-like Republicans have made it their mission to  take their bigoted ideals to terrorize our nation’s immigrants and divide our nation. I applaud SCOTUS’ ruling rejecting the Trump Administration’s frivolous United Stares v California lawsuit against our State. Attorney General Becerra’s incredible defense of the SB54, led and championed by former Speaker Pro Tempore Kevin DeLeon, affirms that California, like all 49 other states, will continue to exercise it’s constitutional authority to decide how our law enforcement responds to immigrant rights and protections. While Jeff Sessions continues to campaign in Alabama on his decades of bigotry, the CAGOP, NRCC, Donald Trump and their party are not only going to have to prove their need for state  and local cooperation with federal agents in court, but also reckon with their actions for years to come. Los Angeles Democrats will continue to stand on the side of all Americans, including immigrants, all across our county and our state."