THE LATEST NEWS

OAKLAND, CA - Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla and U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler jointly announced they are endorsing Lateefah Simon in the CA-12 Congressional race. The two U.S. Senators from California join Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Governor Gavin Newsom, the California Democratic Party, and dozens of organizations endorsing Lateefah Simon for Congress.  

“Lateefah Simon offers a perspective we seldom hear from in Congress,” said Senator Padilla. “In an institution that many Americans feel is out of step, we need people like Lateefah Simon. She not only understands the challenges our constituents face, but actually has the vision and experience to deliver solutions on issues like public safety and climate change. I know she will be the type of transformational leader we need in Congress."

“Those who have had the privilege of seeing Lateefah Simon in action know that with every step she takes she breathes life into her vision for a more just world. Her track record of success – winning victories for women, Black and brown youth, working families, and those most vulnerable in our communities – speaks for itself,” said Senator Butler. “Over these last few months, my deep admiration for Lateefah has only grown as I have watched her build a grassroots campaign with the same passion, tenacity, and fearless spirit that have earned her a place as a civil rights and social justice pioneer in California. It is precisely this unyielding strength that will make her an exceptional representative for California's 12th Congressional District and set her apart as a leader in Washington.”

“Senator Padilla and Senator Butler have served the people of California with distinction over the course of their respective careers. Earning their support means the world to me.” said Lateefah Simon. “These two great leaders know what it takes to create the progress that our state and our communities deserve. I am deeply humbled by their endorsement of my candidacy, and I am resolute in my commitment to work with our great Senators to transform our shared vision into a tangible reality for the people of California.”

Simon currently serves as a member of the Bay Area Rapid Transit Board of Directors and the president of MeadowFund. Previously Simon served as the president of the racial justice organization the Akonadi Foundation, where she worked to support youth of color in the Oakland, California area. Simon first began her career in advocacy at age 16 with the Young Women’s Freedom Center.

By age 26, she became the youngest woman ever to receive a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship. Vice President Kamala Harris, then serving as San Francisco’s district attorney, chose Simon to lead the creation of Back on Track, a program designed to reduce recidivism rates among youth who had interacted with the criminal justice system. Simon was born legally blind and was inspired to run for the Bay Area Rapid Transit Board of Directors of 2016 in order to improve public transportation in northern California. She holds a bachelor's degree in public policy from Mills College and a Master of Public Administration from the University of San Francisco.

California’s 12th Congressional District is home to over 750,000 people across Alameda County, and includes Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland, Piedmont, and San Leandro.