Latest Statements

January 2021

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez statement on the Georgia Runoff Results and certification of the Presidential Election

January 6, 2021

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez releases statement on the Georgia Runoff Results and today's Congressional electoral certification of the Presidential Election

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- 

After last night's US Senate victories in Georgia and today's pending certification of presidential election results in Congress, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J Gonzalez released the following statement: 

"Last night, Georgians sent a powerful message to Republicans and America - criminals have no place in the United States Senate, representation matters and Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff are going to be two of our next United States Senators. As an organizer, I  know the hard work, dedication to purpose, and focus on the people that Georgia organizers put into making this win possible. Led by Stacey Abrams, Nse Ufot,  LaTosha Brown, Tamieka Atkins and Black organizers across the state, Georgia proved that Democrats can win in states that seemed to be out of our reach. Votes in Georgia are still being certified, but I  look forward to watching Senators-elect Warnock, Ossoff, our Senator-Designate Padilla and Senate Democrats actually getting to work on behalf of the American people. 

Today, the United States Congress will finally certify our 2020 presidential election results. As an elector, I  was proud to cast my vote in Sacramento for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. In 14 Days, they will become our next President and Vice President. The theatrics today that we will see from Republicans like Los Angeles County Congressmen Kevin McCarthy and Mike Garcia is nothing but an un-American, anti-democratic rouse that will amount to nothing but a blip in the history books reminding people how they attempted a coup of the American right to vote. They are up in 2022, and we will be ready to take back those seats."

 

December 2020

LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez statement on appointment of Alex Padilla as California's next United States Senator

December 22, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez releases statement on the selection of Secretary Alex Padilla as California's next United States Senator

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- 

With today's announcement that Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed Angeleno and California Secretary of State Alex Padilla as the state's next United States Senator, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J Gonzalez released the following statement: 

"California has proven time and time again that we are the leaders of thought, innovation, equality, and progress. That mantle is one of the reasons President-elect Joe Biden selected our Senator Kamala Harris, and the reason Governor Newsom has selected Secretary Alex Padilla to succeed her as our next United States Senator. Senator-designate Padilla has been a dedicated public servant, former LA City Councilmember, State Senator and now the first Latino to serve in the US Senate from our great state. Alex Padilla has proven to all Californians that honesty, integrity, and a value-driven work-ethic are needed to help guide our state into the 21st century and beyond. This year the Los Angeles County Democratic Party honored Vice President-elect Harris at our annual JFK Awards and was pleased to have Alex open up this year’s ceremony and welcome our honorees and guests. As Chair, I’m proud to have two of our Los Angeles Central Committee members make history - one as the next Vice President and the other as our next United States Senator. With the United States Senate losing the sole Black woman voice in the upper chamber, Democrats must commit to redoubling our efforts to recruit, guide, and uplift Black leaders up-and-down the ballot. LA Democrats stand ready to work with both Senator Padilla and Vice President Harris to do just that, work on behalf of our nation, and uphold our Democratic Party principles. When Los Angeles leads, California and the nation succeeds."

 

LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez statement blasting Congressman Kevin McCarthy for joining Texas lawsuit to overturn Election results

December 11, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez releases statement blasting Congressman Kevin McCarthy for joining Texas lawsuit to overturn Election results 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- 

Reacting to the addition of Congressman Kevin McCarthy's name to Republican's latest attempt to overturn Election Day results,  Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J Gonzalez released the following statement:

"39 Days ago over 80 millions Americans voted to ensure that progress in our county and the future our democracy was not lost to the tyrannical and autocratic policies and nature of Donald Trump. 39 Days ago voters, and voters in Los Angeles, overwhelmingly voted to send Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to Washington to lead our county out of the darkness of the last four years.

The state of our democracy has been under attack by this President since Inauguration Day in 2017, with leaders on both sides of the aisle working overtime to protect Americans from this dangerous Administration. Which makes it all the more surprising and disappointing that a leader sworn to protect and defend the constitution like California Congressman Kevin McCarthy would sign onto an amicus brief that would attempt to overturn the voices of the American people. Joining half of his caucus, Congressman McCarthy is showing voters in Los Angeles, Kern, and Tulane that their votes and voices actually don’t matter in the end no matter who they voted for and that he’s willing to do whatever it takes to destroy the fabric of our nation. It’s unconscionable, borderline treasonous, and voters shouldn’t and won't forget it." 

 

November 2020

LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez releases statement on tonight's LACDP Resolution regarding LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva

November 10, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez releases statement on tonight's LACDP resolution calling for the resignation of Sheriff Villanueva 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- 

Following tonight's LACDP Resolution and vote calling for the resignation of LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva,  Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J Gonzalez released the following statement:

"When Democrats elected Sheriff Villanueva in 2018, we elected a progressive to help change the course of law enforcement in our county, keep Angelenos safe, and ensure that the office of the Sheriff held each other accountable. The LA County Democratic Party has always worked to support qualified Democrats up and down the ballot who upheld our party values and worked towards the progress of our state and our country. In 2019, our body passed a resolution calling on Sheriff Villanueva to, among other things, restore trust in his department and to where to the recommendations on hiring practices by the Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission, to end inmate transfers to federal immigration agents and their contractors and more. Tonight, our body took up a formal resolution calling on Sheriff Villanueva to resign. While a majority of members voted for the resolution, it did not meet the required 60% threshold to pass a resolution. 

Make no mistake, while this resolution may have failed, our call for reform and accountability has never been more necessary and required. I stand with LA Democrats in continuing to urge Sheriff Villanueva to refocus his efforts on reforming his department, holding accountable those who fail to uphold their duty to protect and serve, and to work with Democrats across the county to restore trust in him as a leader in our county." 

 

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez statement on election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as the nation's next President and Vice-President

November 7, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez releases statement on the election of 
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as the next President and Vice-President

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- 

Following the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as our nation's next President and Vice-President,  Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J Gonzalez released the following statement:

"Today, we turn a new chapter in our nation. The nightmare that is Donald Trump and his corrupt, anti-American, anti-Democracy administration is almost over. Today, our country battled for the soul of our nation and Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be our next president and Vice President. 

Amidst all refreshing of election results, flipping between channels, and staying up until 2am, the historical nature of this election also cannot be overlooked. America has elected the first Black, first South Asian, and first woman as Vice President. As Californians and Angelenos, we are incredibly proud of our US Senator and now vice-president elect Kamala Harris and look forward to supporting her and the president-elect in leading our nation, rebuilding our democracy, and focusing on our communities. 

A record turnout of voters, over 140 million votes, was cast over the course of this election and counted with incredible speed and patience. It is a testament to Registrar Recorders, like Dean Logan, election officials, poll workers, and the thousands of Americans who (at some times) risked their lives to make sure that we continue to count every vote. 

Today, we celebrate our win, and tomorrow we get back to serving our neighbors, communities, and businesses as we still navigate through this pandemic." 

 

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez on the election of George Gascón for LA District Attorney

November 6, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez releases statement on the election of 
George Gascón for Los Angeles District Attorney  

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- 

Following the election of George Gascón for Los Angeles District Attorney and DA Jackie Lacey conceding the race,  Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J Gonzalez released the following statement:

"Justice was always on the ballot, and in this election Angelenos resoundingly chose a culture of change and accountability over the status quo. The election of George Gascón as our next Los Angeles District Attorney ushers in a new era of prosecution - one centered on the protecting citizens and not protecting those who abuse their power and authority. Los Angeles Democrats were proud to endorse George Gascón from day one, and we’re committed to ensuring that he has the support he needs to make necessary changes to our justice system. I  want to thank outgoing DA Jackie Lacey for her years of service. Change is coming to America, and now change is coming to our justice system in Los Angeles." 

 

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez on the state of the Election

November 4, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez releases statement on the state of the Election  

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- 

Addressing the state of the election,  Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J Gonzalez released the following statement

"Yesterday, and over the past few weeks, over 150 Million Americans exercised their right to vote. A record turnout in an election that seemed not only never ending, but unlikely. Since January 20, 2017, millions of Americans knew exactly what we witnessed for the past four years, that our democracy and our country was threatened by a tyrannical, national security threat. Last night, Americans proved that, as our nation has always done, we will work vanquish threats. Last night, millions of Americans chose hope over fear, progress over bigotry, democracy over authoritarianism. 

While we are still waiting on the final results, I’m optimistic that we are going to send Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to the White House, and proud of the work Los Angeles Democrats did, making millions of outbound calls to battleground states, fundraising for candidates, and more. This election cycle, we hit 3 million registered Democrats and we could not be more hopeful for our future as a nation and the future of our county and state. I want to congratulate all of the Democrats who prevailed in their races, the Democrats who will prevail in their races when the final votes come in, and so many first time candidates who stepped up to lead." 

 

October 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez responds to the LA Times article on the identified 2100 faulty ballots sent to voters

October 6, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez responds to the LA Times article on the identified 2100 faulty ballots sent to voters

LOS ANGELES, CA  -- In response to the LA Times Article regarding the 2100 faulty ballots sent to voters, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J Gonzalez released the following statement:

“This election is too important for even the smallest mistakes. With the president and Republicans actively working to delegitimize our elections, disenfranchise voters, and suppress the vote, voters are expecting that those who oversee our elections ensure that they have what they need and that their vote will be counted. Yesterday, our team received phones calls from concerned voters about the presidential option being left off their ballot and worked with the Registrar Recorder's office to identify if this was widespread. I’m thankful for the swift response from Dean Logan and his team, and cautiously optimistic that they’ve identified the only batch of faulty ballots. Voters are worried about their health, their families, their jobs - they shouldn’t have to worry about their vote.” 

 

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez applauds Governor Newsom on the nomination of Justice Martin Jenkins to the CA Supreme Court

October 5, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez applauds Governor Newsom on the nomination of Justice Martin Jenkins to the CA Supreme Court

LOS ANGELES, CA  -- In response to the Governor's nomination of Justice Martin Jenkins to the California Supreme Court, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J Gonzalez released the following statement:

“On a day where Supreme Court Justices Alito and Thomas signaled their interest in overturning Obergefell v Hodges solidifying marriage equality across the nation, I’m proud that Governor Newsom has appointed Justice Martin Jenkins as the first openly gay Justice to the California Supreme Court. Justice Jenkins’ storied career from his time in the NFL, to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office and Department of Justice, to his appointment to the United States District Court here in California by President Clinton reminds us how exceptionally qualified he is to serve on the bench. California has continued to set the example for other states, showing how important diversity is at every level of our government. LA Democrats applaud Governor Newsom for his choice in Justice Jenkins to serve as our next Associate Justice here in California, and wish him the best through the next phase of his confirmation process.”

 

September 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez's statement on the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court

September 26, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez's statement on the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court

LOS ANGELES, CA  -- In response to the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to succeed Justice Ginsberg on the US Supreme Court, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J Gonzalez released the following statement:

"The president’s nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to succeed Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is not only a slap in the face to the rule of law, but dangerous for Americans and the progress our country has made for the last century. As a jurist, Judge Barrett’s record and views on a women’s right to choose, her hostile positions on an American’s right to access to healthcare, immigration, and her penchent for dismissing Supreme Court precedents should alarm every American, Democrat, Republican, Independents and others. It cannot be stressed enough how risky, fatal, and impactful to our nation's future will be in the hands of decisions from Judge Barrett. Every minority group, environmentalist, union, and communities all across our nation should be calling their senators and ensuring the failure of this catastrophic nomination. Judge Barrett, like this president, is a danger to the future of our nation, and must not be confirmed by the United States Senate."

 

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez's statement on the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

September 18, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez's statement on the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

LOS ANGELES, CA  -- In response to the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J Gonzalez released the following statement:

“Today America and Angelenos mourn the loss of the lioness of our US Supreme Court. A true American hero, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was only the second female and the first Jewish female appointed to our Supreme Court who became a trailblazer and a voice for the rights of Americans all across the country. As an advocate for gender equality, women’s rights, international law, and so much more, Justice Ginsburg reminded us how important a practical, principled, and forward-thinking interpretation of the law and working with colleagues from with a different ideology should be applied to decisions. Justice Ginsburg was a champion, and, yes, notorious. I  stand with all Angelenos across Los Angeles County and Americans across our nation in sending our thoughts to Justice Ginsburg’s family.”

Chair Mark J Gonzalez condemns attacks on sheriff deputies and members of the press

September 14, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez condemns attack on LA County Sheriff Deputies and KPCC Reporter Josie Huang

LOS ANGELES, CA  -- In response to the attacks on two Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies, and the violent handling of KPCC Reporter Josue Huang over the weekend, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J Gonzalez released the following statement:

“As wildfires ravage our coast and destroy the homes and livelihoods of many Angelenos, the violent and attempted assassination on two of LA’s sheriff deputies is unconscionable and we are sending our thoughts to those deputies and their families in hopes of a speedy recovery. Angelenos should find this attack unacceptable and the person should be brought to justice.

At the same time, the manhandling of KPCC reporter Josie Huang by sheriff deputies is repugnant and needs to be addressed. Once again, we’ve watched those sworn to protect and serve our communities mismanage and miscalculate a controllable situation. As a leader, Sheriff Villanueva must address the conduct of his team and make the necessary adjustments to ensure all Angelenos feel safe in a time where attacks on our press and constitutional rights are being assaulted by republicans and this White House.

Los Angeles Democrats will continue to call out violence and hold those accountable for their actions and their inaction.”