Latest Statements

October 2020

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.”

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."