Latest Statements

April 2020

Statement on Martinez/Benitez Lawsuit against Governor Newsom

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez responds to 

Martinez/Benitez Immigrant Relief Lawsuit against Governor Newsom

 

LOS ANGELES, CA --  In response to the recent lawsuit from Republicans, Councilwoman Jessica Martinez and Valley resident Ricardo Benitez against Governor Newsom, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez released the following statement: 

“While Governor Newsom is leading our state to ensure the safety and health of all Californians, Republicans like Assembly candidates, Whittier City Councilwoman Jessica Martinez and San Fernando Valley candidate Ricardo Benitez are teaming up with a right wing extremist organization to deny earned assistance from millions of working families. At a time when our leaders should be finding ways to provide adequate economic relief to all residents who continue to provide their salaries,  these two are actively engaging in the exact opposite - which is not consistent with our values in this state and our county. LA Democrats and I believe in the Governor, and  stand with the residents of the 57th and 39th Assembly Districts, and call on Martinez and Benitez to recuse themselves from this frivolous lawsuit.” 

Statement on Mayor's State of the City 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez responds to 

Mayor Garcetti's 2020 State of the City Address

 

LOS ANGELES, CA --  In response to Mayor Eric Garcetti's 2020 State of the City Address, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez released the following statement: 

“In these unprecedented times, the safety, health, and recovery of our residents and workers here in LA County and across the City of Los Angeles should remain the highest priority of our elected officials. From his aggressive approach in response to the affects of COVID-19 including the formation of the new CARES Corps, to calling on Congress to address our infrastructure needs, continuing to address our homelessness, climate, and education crises, and strengthening our city services, tonight Mayor Garcetti has continued to show us he’s committed to leading by example. The Los Angeles Democratic Party looks forward to working with him, President Martinez, our city leaders and more in addressing and prioritizing the issues that we believe in and working on behalf of all Angelenos.”

Chair's 2020 Easter Message

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez sends blessings this Easter

 

LOS ANGELES, CA --  Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez released the following statement: 

“Christians all over the LA County and around the world are ending this Holy Week, remembering a story of salvation, grace, and sacrifice - that …”who ever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” This Easter, while those celebrating may not be able to have an annual Easter egg hunt, or break bread together with their families, I  know that we will emerge with a revived sense of graciousness, compassion, and purpose to help our community and those in need. Wishing you and your families a blessed, safe, and joyful Easter."

Chair's 2020 Passover Message

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez extends warm wishes this Passover

 

LOS ANGELES, CA --  Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez released the following statement: 

“Tonight, our Jewish families, friends, neighbors, and strangers begin sharing with each other the story of Exodus. Like this and many rituals marking the beginning of Pesach, or Passover, here in LA County, America, the State of Israel and around the world this is a time of redemption, blessings, and an opporutnity to renew a belief that our future remains hopeful in these uncertain times - even when so many won’t be able to celebrate together this year. Los Angeles Democrats remain truly dedicated to the principles of peace, freedom and unity, and send our best and warmest wishes this season. Chag Sameach."

March 2020

LA County Supervisors' Attempt to Remove Sheriff as head of Emergency Services

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez responds to 

LA County Supervisors' attempt to Remove Sheriff as head of Emergency Operations

 

LOS ANGELES, CA --  In response to the LA County Board of Supervisors' attempt to remove the Sheriff as the head of emergency operations, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez released the following statement: 

“Timing is everything - especially during a pandemic. The Kathryn Barger-led efforts to remove emergency operations from the Sheriff’s oversight during a crisis is woefully inappropriate and concerning. The time for any personal or petty politics right now is over. It's high time for the Board of Supervisors to be working with Sheriff Villanueva to ensure that LA County residents remain safe, and continue coordinating and supporting LA County health departments, homelessness outreach, housing placement and other emergency services during this time.”

Urging Governor to Expand "Emergency Worker" Classification

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez urges Governor Newsom to expand "Emergency Worker" Classification

 

LOS ANGELES, CA --  Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez released the following statement: 

“'Essential.' That’s the word we’re seeing thrown around during this pandemic. I’ve seen first hand the incredibly essential work of our first responders, transportation services, restaurant chefs, and grocery store workers out on the front lines for residents of Los Angeles County. This unprecedented time requires unprecedented real time decisions to continue to protect workers who are out working for us. I  stand with the International Union local 770, UFCW 770, UFCW 1428 and all of our brothers and sisters in labor, and support their advocacy on behalf of grocery store workers, pharmacists, delivery drivers and more across LA County, calling on the governor to classify and treat those workers as “emergency workers.” Workers, union and non-union, should not be worried about their safety and the safety of their families, while working to keep our shelves stocked or our medicine re-filled - we should be protecting them by any means necessary. I  urge Governor Newsom to work with local unions to make sure their workers are protected as they continue to do the essential work they’re being asked to do.”

Response to Trump's Coronavirus Rhetoric

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez responds to Donald Trump's hateful rhetoric during this Coronavirus Crisis

Nation's largest county Democratic Party responds to the president's hateful and divisive rhetoric 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA --  In response to Donald Trump's hateful and targeted rhetoric in this time of global crisis, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez released the following statement: 

“The world and our country is going through an existential crisis that is testing the very fabric of our democracy. As the leader of the free world, the President of the United States should be leading by example. Since the moment he announced his candidacy, Donald Trump’s hateful rhetoric about minorities and global partners  continues to be divisive and unbecoming. Using an ethnic-specific term like “Chinese Virus” to refer to COVID-19 or Coronavirus is just that - hateful - and has no place in ensuring the safety and security of our nation during this challenging time. I’m proud of the work Governor Newsom, our state legislature, Mayor Garcetti and our elected officials at City Hall and here in LA County have done over the past few weeks to make sure that our communities will be able to get through this and back to our daily lives.”

Response to Secretary Padilla's Vote-By-Mail directive to LA County

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez responds to Secretary of State Alex Padilla's call for mandatory Vote-By-Mail Ballots in LA County for the General Election

Nation's largest county Democratic Party responds to Secretary Padilla's call for mandatory vote-by-mail ballots

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA --  In response to Secretary Padilla's latest statement on vote-by-mail ballots for the upcoming general election in LA County, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez released the following statement: 

"I    welcome the call from Secretary Padilla to the LA County Registrar's office to mail every registered voter in our county a mail-in ballot for the 2020 General Election - 30 days prior to the election. There's a difference between voter suppression, and unintentionally suppressing the vote, and unlike our Republican colleagues across the country, we should be doing everything we can to ensure that all Angelenos can exercise their right to vote. From same-day voter registration, paid return postage, voter pre-registration and more, we continue to be a leader in this area. However, barriers like the ones thousands of voters experienced on Primary Day due to the new voting machines is unacceptable. We look forward to continuing to work with the Registrar's office improve our election system over the next few months."  

LACDP Chair Responds to Primary Results and Voting Experience

 

March 4, 2020

 

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez responds to yesterday's preliminary primary results

 

Nation's largest county Democratic Party responds to Primary election results and state of voting experience 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA --  In response to yesterday's primary results and execution, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez released the following statement: 

"We still have a long way to go with the results from yesterday's primary. Right now, only 1.1 million ballots are being processed, with 20% of eligible voters having cast ballots. With only a third of voting centers available this time, long lines due to a lack of information, and abysmal infrastructure, it's no wonder voters in LA County residents had a hard time exercising their right to vote - it was an overwhelming experience during a time where voter turnout should have been high. It's Turn OUT, not Turn AWAY.

We will continue to work with the Registrar's office on reassessing and improving our new voting experience here in LA County and again addressing the serious concerns we've had going into this primary - accessibility, equipment issues, and lack of voting center workers. 

On a brighter note, we're proud of the current results from a majority of our endorsed candidates - those who have won and those who are headed to a run-off in November. We look forward to supporting whoever is the presidential nominee, and working to ensure victory for all of our candidates in November"

February 2020

LACDP Chair Responds to Trump's Acquittal by the Senate

February 5, 2020

LACDP RESPONDS TO THE US SENATE'S
ACQUITTAL OF DONALD TRUMP

Largest County Democratic Party in America Responds to President Trump's Acquittal by Senate Republicans

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- In response to today's acquittal of the president, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez, released the following statement:

"Senate Republicans have proved once again that they have no business governing by abdicating their constitutional oversight responsibilities and diminishing the role of a co-equal branch of government in their quest to cling to power. There is no doubt - this president's actions were inappropriate, unlawful, impeachable, and no, he will not "learn his lesson". By voting to acquit the president, Senate Republicans have rubber-stamped and have become complicit in criminal activities, national security risks, and conduct unbecoming a leader of this nation. Make no mistake, our country is at risk- the only remedy is to vote them out. I applaud the tremendous work of our House managers, especially Rep. Adam Schiff, and all the LA County Democratic leaders who continue to pull back the curtain on this lawless president and his administration."

Statement on Trump's 2020 State of the Union Address

 

February 4, 2020

LACDP RESPONDS TO THE PRESIDENT'S 
STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

Largest County Democratic Party in America Responds to President Trump's third State of the Union Address

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- In response to tonight's State of the Union, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez, released the following statement:

"Tonight the president gave his third State of the Union address, and his first as an impeached leader. As predicted, this president, his advisor Stephen Miller, Betsy Devos, and his party have embraced and defended a dangerous agenda that continues to divide our country and test our country's democratic values. With tax policies benefiting corporations and his wealthy friends and family, an unnecessary Space Force, rerouting military funds for his wall, rolling back regulations to protect workers, and actively working to dismantle healthcare for millions, it's clear this president is less interested in fighting for American families, and more interested in political theatrics. What you didn't hear tonight are policies to move this country forward. This president doesn't have them and his party doesn't have them. We will definitely need a "great American comeback" after this failed presidency, and Democrats across LA County and the country are more focused than ever on making sure this is his last State of the Union to our country."

January 2020

Statement on State Senate Vote on SB50

January 31, 2020

LACDP RESPONDS TO THE STATE SENATE VOTE 

ON SB-50

Largest County Democratic Party in America Responds to the recent vote on SB-50

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- In response to the California State Senate voting down SB-50, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez, released the following statement:

"I  am pleased that our State Senators have followed the advice of the members of the LA County Democratic Party and have voted down Senate Bill 50. While we are in an existential and human rights crisis when it comes to addressing housing, rushing through a bill with serious issues is not the way legislators should be doing business. I    applaud the work of Senator Weiner in authoring this bill, and strongly encourage him to continue to do the work with colleagues, grassroots organizations, and city leaders across LA County and the state to come up with a more comprehensive bill that adequately addresses providing housing for our homeless community and low-income workers, tenant displacement, less about putting money in the pockets of developers, and more. I    look forward to seeing the work continue on behalf of LA County, and working with Democratic colleagues to make housing affordable."