Lateefah Simon for Congress

Lateefah Simon is a 25-year veteran organizer and nationally recognized advocate for civil rights and social justice.

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<h2>Lateefah Simon is a 25-year veteran organizer and nationally recognized advocate for civil rights and social justice.</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/ec75aa9f-a339-4fe2-814b-294e71ce3ccc/6a45648c-81a2-4a28-9e44-839d8900e690/cd1d2df9-15c4-415b-8181-fb6f38459499.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=2&amp;con=8&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=-23&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=345%2C0%2C3238%2C2304&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="right-50" align="right" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed"><h3>Lateefah began her career of advocacy at age 16 as an outreach coordinator for the Young Women’s Freedom Center.</h3>At age 18, she gave birth to her eldest daughter, Aminah, and quickly learned as a young single mother that government wasn’t working for people like her. A year later, she became Executive Director of YWFC and spent the next decade earning national acclaim for her advocacy on behalf of marginalized young women. In 2003, at age 26, Lateefah became the youngest woman to receive a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship.<h3>Lateefah was later chosen by then-San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris to lead the creation of&nbsp; Back on Track.</h3><img src="https://run.imgix.net/ec75aa9f-a339-4fe2-814b-294e71ce3ccc/1e1146a8-ef7b-4aee-9503-37ac7877f447/1e1146a8-ef7b-4aee-9503-37ac7877f447.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=5&amp;con=4&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=25&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=299%2C210%2C2076%2C2701&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="right-50" align="right" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed">Back on Track was a highly effective, first-of-its-kind anti-recidivism initiative for young adults charged with low-level offenses.Lateefah also served as Executive Director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area, where she launched successful community-based initiatives such as the Second Chance Legal Services Clinic.She would go on to become Program Director of the Rosenberg Foundation, where she launched a fund to incubate and accelerate bold ideas from the next generation of progressive leaders in California.<h3>In 2016, galvanized by the death of Oscar Grant, Lateefah ran and was elected to the Bay Area Rapid Transit Board of Directors.</h3>Born legally blind, Lateefah relies solely on public transportation to go about her day and sought to make BART more affordable for working families and transit-dependent people like herself.Lateefah was also appointed by then-Governor Jerry Brown to serve on the Board of Trustees for the California State University, the nation’s largest public university system, where she offered strategic advice on policy matters related to racial justice in higher education.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/ec75aa9f-a339-4fe2-814b-294e71ce3ccc/34f03b2c-8559-4f4b-9a19-a7c44d8793b9/34f03b2c-8559-4f4b-9a19-a7c44d8793b9.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=28&amp;usm=11&amp;rect=39%2C63%2C468%2C376&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="left-50" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Lateefah graduated from Mills College with a B.A. in Public Policy, and was selected as her class commencement speaker. She later earned her MPA from the University of San Francisco. In 2016, Lateefah became president of the Akonadi Foundation, an Oakland-based racial justice organization. In 2020, she was appointed a senior advisor on police reform for California Governor Gavin Newsom. Lateefah also serves on the Board of Directors for the San Francisco Foundation, on the Advisory Committee for Human Rights Watch U.S, as an Oxfam Ambassador, and the Board of Directors for Rosenberg Foundation and Tipping Point Foundation.

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

Lateefah currently resides in Emeryville with her youngest daughter, Lelah. 

Dozens of local organizations and leaders are standing together!

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<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://lee.house.gov/">Barbara Lee,</a> US Representative (CA-12)

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/">Gavin Newsom,</a> Governor of California

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ltg.ca.gov/about/">Eleni Kounalakis,</a> California Lt. Governor

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://oag.ca.gov/about">Rob Bonta,</a> California Attorney General

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.sco.ca.gov/eo_about_bio.html">Malia Cohen,</a> California State Controller

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.treasurer.ca.gov/">Fiona Ma,</a> California State Treasurer

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cde.ca.gov/eo/bo/tt/">Tony Thurmond,</a> California State Superintendent of Instruction

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://kevinmullin.house.gov/">Kevin Mullin,</a> US Representative (CA-15)

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://robertgarcia.house.gov/">Robert Garcia,</a> US Representative (CA-42)

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://sd09.senate.ca.gov/">Nancy Skinner,</a> California State Senator (SD-09)

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://sd10.senate.ca.gov/">Aisha Wahab,</a> California State Senator (SD-10)

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://sd11.senate.ca.gov/">Scott Wiener,</a> California State Senator (SD-11)

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://sd13.senate.ca.gov/">Josh Becker,</a> California State Senator (SD-13)

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://sd28.senate.ca.gov/">Lola Smallwood-Cuevas,</a> California State Senator (SD-28)

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://a14.asmdc.org/">Buffy Wicks,</a> California State Assemblymember (AD-14)

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://a18.asmdc.org/">Mia Bonta,</a> California State Assemblymember (AD-18)

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://a17.asmdc.org/">Matt Haney,</a> California State Assemblymember (AD-17)

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://a55.asmdc.org/">Isaac Bryan,</a> California State Assemblymember (AD-55)

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://a60.asmdc.org/">Corey Jackson,</a> California State Assemblymember (AD-60)

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://a44.asmdc.org/">Laura Friedman,</a> California State Assemblymember (AD-44)

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.sf.gov/profile/london-breed">London Breed,</a> Mayor of San Francisco

Sheng Thao, Mayor of Oakland

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.jessearreguin.com/">Jesse Arreguin,</a> Mayor of Berkeley

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ci.emeryville.ca.us/directory.aspx?eid=182">John Bauters,</a> Former Mayor of Emeryville, Emeryville City Councilmember

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.herculesca.gov/government/city-council/council-members/council-member-alexander-walker-griffin">Alexander Walker-Griffin,</a> Former Mayor of Hercules, Hercules City Councilmember

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ci.east-palo-alto.ca.us/directory-listing/lisa-gauthier">Lisa Gauthier,</a> Former Mayor of East Palo Alto, East Palo Alto City Councilmember

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cityofalhambra.org/333/Sasha-Rene-Prez">Sasha Renée Perez,</a> Former Mayor of Alhambra, Alhambra Vice Mayor

Libby Schaaf, Former Mayor of Oakland

Elihu Harris, Former Mayor of Oakland

Michael Tubbs, Former Mayor of Stockton

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.oaklandca.gov/officials/district-6-councilmember">Kevin Jenkins,</a> Oakland City Councilmember

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.oaklandca.gov/officials/treva-reid">Treva Reid,</a> Oakland City Councilmember

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.oaklandca.gov/officials/councilmember-dan-kalb">Dan Kalb,</a> Oakland City Council member

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ci.emeryville.ca.us/directory.aspx?eid=225">Courtney Welch,</a> Mayor of Emeryville

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.alamedaca.gov/GOVERNMENT/Elected-Officials/Councilmember-Malia-Vella">Malia Vella,</a> City of Alameda Councilmember

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-roster/rigel-robinson">Rigel Robinson,</a> Former Berkeley City Councilmember

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-roster/terry-taplin">Terry Taplin,</a> Berkeley City Councilmember

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-roster/ben-bartlett">Ben Bartlett,</a> Berkeley City Councilmember

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-roster/rashi-kesarwani">Rashi Kesarwani,</a> Berkeley City Councilmember

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-roster/sophie-hahn">Sophie Hahn,</a> Berkeley City Councilmember

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://cameronsasai.com/">Cameron Sasai,</a> Pinole City Councilmember

Judy Appel, Former President, Berkeley Unified School District Board of Education

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bart.gov/about/bod/member/janice-li">Janice Li,</a> BART Director, Former President, BART Board

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bart.gov/about/bod/member/bevan-dufty">Bevan Dufty,</a> President, BART Board

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bart.gov/about/bod/member/rebecca-saltzman">Rebecca Saltzman,</a> BART Director

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.actransit.org/board-of-directors">Joel Young,</a> President, Alameda County Transit Board

Larry Reed, Former Contra Costa County Supervisor

John Burton, Former US Representative (CA-05)

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.acoe.org/superintendent">Alysse Castro,</a> Alameda County Superintendent of Schools

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.fremont.gov/government/mayor-councilmembers">Teresa Cox,</a> Fremont City Councilmember

Igor Tregub, Alameda Democratic Party Chair

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://district5.acgov.org/">Keith Carson,</a> Alameda County Supervisor (District 5)

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.alamedaca.gov/GOVERNMENT/Elected-Officials/Mayor-Ezzy-Ashcraft">Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft,</a> City of Alameda Mayor

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pressley.house.gov/">Ayanna Pressley,</a> US Representative (MA-07)

Elected Officials

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://cadem.org/">California Democratic Party</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://emilyslist.org/">EMILYs List</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bwopatileleads.org/">Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) - PAC</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.btcalameda.org/">Building &amp; Construction Trades Council of Alameda County</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://envirovoters.org/">California Environmental Voters</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://calaborfed.org/">California Labor Federation</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://csea.com/">California School Employees Association (CSEA), AFL-CIO</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://workingfamilies.org/state/california/">California Working Families Party</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://alamedademocraticclub.org/">City of Alameda Democratic Club</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://collectivepac.org/">Collective PAC</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://progressives.house.gov/">Congressional Progressive Caucus</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://couragecalifornia.org/">Courage California</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ebyd.org/">East Bay Young Democrats</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ellabakercenteraction.org/">Ella Baker Center Action Fund</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://feministmajoritypac.org/">Feminist Majority PAC</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://giffords.org/">Giffords PAC</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ibew595.org/">IBEW Local 595</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://lydeb.org/">Latine Young Democrats of the East Bay</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.lcv.org/">League of Conservation Voters</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://nuhw.org/">National Union of Healthcare Workers</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.seiu.org/">Service Employees International Union</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.swactionfund.org/">Sister Warriors Action Fund</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://teamstersjc7.org/">Teamsters Joint Council 7</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.eastbaystonewalldemocrats.org/">East Bay Stonewall Democratic Club</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://reproductivefreedomforall.org/">Reproductive Freedom for All,</a> Formerly NARAL

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/">National Nurses United</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://cahsdems.org/">California High School Democrats</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cta.org/">California Teachers Association</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nea.org/">National Education Association</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.higherheightsforamericapac.org/">Higher Heights for America PAC</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ufcw.org/">United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW)</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.milkclub.org/">Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wellstoneclub.org/">Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://cayoungdems.com/">California Young Democrats</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.afscme.org/">AFSCME</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.blackchurchpac.org/">Black Church PAC</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.berkeleydemocraticclub.com/">Berkeley Democratic Club</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://mgodems.org/">Metropolitan Greater Oakland Democratic Club</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.sierraclub.org/">Sierra Club</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.actorsequity.org/">Actors' Equity Association</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://jgdc.org/">John George Democratic Club</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.aft.org/">American Federation of Teachers</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.atu.org/">Amalgamated Transit Union</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.oaklandeastbaydemocraticclub.com/">Oakland East Bay Democratic Club</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://centeractionfund.org/">Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://foeaction.org/#">Friends of the Earth Action</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.foodandwateraction.org/">Food &amp; Water Action</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://priceofoil.org/">Oil Change International</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://climatehawksvote.com/">Climate Hawks Vote</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.sanleandrodemocraticclub.com/">San Leandro Democratic Club</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/">Planned Parenthood Action Fund</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://nursesforamerica.net/">Nurses for America</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://cwa9415.org/">Communications Workers of America (CWA) - Local 9415</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://endcitizensunited.org/">End Citizens United</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ourrevolution.com/">Our Revolution</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://emgagepac.org/">Emgage PAC</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://dream4america.org/">Dream For America</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bayrisingaction.org/">Bay Rising Action</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.eqca.org/">Equality California</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://uaw.org/regions/uaw-region-6/">UAW Western States</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bwwactionproject.org/">Black Women for Wellness Action Project</a>

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.albanydemocraticclub.org/">Albany Democratic Club</a>

International Association of Fire Fighters

Organizations

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://oscargrantfoundation.org/wandaspeaks/">Wanda Johnson,</a> Mother of Oscar Grant

Dr. Belinda Arriaga, &nbsp;Founder/Executive director, Ayudando Latinos A Soñar (ALAS) *

Chaney Turner, ADEM Delegate (District 18)

Kelly Welsh, ADEM Delegate (District 11)

Kendra Fox-Davis, Chief Program Officer, Rosenberg Foundation*

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stevephillips.com/about">Steve Phillips,</a> Bestselling Author

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://chefmichele.com/about/">Michele McQueen</a>, Executive Chef, Town Fare

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://aliciagarza.com/">Alicia Garza,</a> Executive Director of Black Futures Lab and Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter LA

Nicole Lee, Urban Peace Movement*

Marlene Sanchez, Executive Director of Ella Baker Center for Human Rights

Jessica Nolan, &nbsp;Executive Director of Young Women's Freedom Center

Daryl Davis

Selena Wilson, East Oakland Youth Development Center

Donald Lacy, Founder of Love Life Foundation

Melina Abdullah, Founder of Black Lives Matter LA

Manny Yekutiel, Owner of Manny's

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.msryannicole.com/bio">Ryan Nicole Peters,</a> Musician/Actress/Activist

Jilchristina Vest, Founder, West Oakland Mural Project

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://jennjohns.com/about">Jennifer Johns,</a> Artist

Chris Riggins, Comedian

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.goapele.com/pages/about-us">Goapele,</a> Grammy-nominated artist

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.damedrummer.com/home">Dame Drummer,</a> Musician

Sherry Hirota, Former CEO of Asian Health Services

Austin Tam, Member, Alameda County Democratic Central Committee

Alex Randolph, Oakland Planning Commissioner &amp; CADEM Delegate

Kenny Houston, The Beautification Council

Avery Arbaugh President of the Cal Berkeley Democrats

* - For Identification Purposes Only

Community Members

“I’ve spent my life fighting for folks without a voice. I will take the shared stories and experiences of this community to the halls of Congress so I can continue our fight. That’s how we make change. And that’s why I’m running for this seat.”

So much is happening right now. Write a couple lines to get your readers excited for it.

Lateefah in the News

Next year, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.essence.com/gallery/black-women-running-for-office-to-save-reproductive-rights/">California’s</a> 12th <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.essence.com/news/lateefah-simon-endorsed-emilys-list/">congressional</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.essence.com/news/congresswoman-barbara-lee-cbc-week/">district</a> will have a new <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.essence.com/news/rep-barbara-lee-senate-run/">representative</a> after being <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.essence.com/authors/rep-barbara-lee/">represented</a> by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.essence.com/news/congresswoman-barbara-lee-rise-hate-crimes-trump-presidency/">Congresswoman</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://lee.house.gov/about/biography">Barbara Lee</a> for the past 25 years. Lee is pursuing a seat in the U.S. Senate and has just formally endorsed Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) board member <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.lateefahsimon.com/news?id=4f88cb81-1f2b-48e0-90fa-eece9f0a6aa5">Lateefah Simon’s</a> campaign to succeed her in representing the 12th district.

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Essence: Outgoing Congresswoman Barbara Lee Endorses Lateefah Simon As Her Successor

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.&nbsp;&nbsp;“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.

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.&nbsp;

Lateefah Simon Endorsed by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla and U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler

We were impressed by Simon’s pragmatic approach to such divisive issues as crime and homelessness. In addition to pushing for <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="" href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/bart-police-salary-trains-18161630.php">significant raises for BART police officers</a>, she supported an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="" href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Need-help-on-BART-Team-of-ambassadors-15045489.php">alternative BART ambassador program</a>. And she wants to leverage federal funding to turn empty government buildings, such as Oakland’s old county jail, into emergency shelters for homeless people.&nbsp;

SF Chronicle Endorsement: The obvious choice to replace Barbara Lee in Congress is also the best one

Congresswoman Barbara Lee: “It’s my honor to pass the baton to Lateefah”OAKLAND, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) endorsed Lateefah Simon’s campaign for Congress, throwing her support behind Simon to succeed her in California's 12th Congressional District. Congresswoman Lee’s U.S. Senate campaign will also be opening a joint campaign headquarters with Simon’s congressional campaign in downtown Oakland.&nbsp;“The Twelfth Congressional District has long been a progressive, multiracial, enlightened beacon for California and the country — we lead with an example of a progressive, people-centered approach to challenges and show what democracy is truly about,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. &nbsp;“Our district’s strength is a distinct reminder of the late, great warrior for peace and justice Ron Dellums, my predecessor, and who I consider to be the father of coalition politics. After his 27 years of service, he passed the baton to me — and now, I am excited and proud to endorse Lateefah Simon, my former student and true fighter for peace and justice, to run this next lap of the race.”&nbsp; “Lateefah is from the community, and for the community,” continued Congresswoman Lee. “From her teenage years working to support young women and trans youth, to fighting to make public transit more affordable and accessible, she is a fierce advocate and proven leader. It’s my honor to pass the blue baton to Lateefah, who I trust to stand up for the values of the 12th District, and continue building the broad coalition working together for a better world.”Lee was first elected to this Congressional seat in a special election in 1998 and has represented the East Bay in Congress for 25 years. Congresswoman Lee is the highest-ranking Black woman appointed to House Leadership, and has served as co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. Prior to serving in Congress, Lee was elected to the California State Assembly in 1990, and served three terms before being elected to the California State Senate in 1996. Lateefah Simon and Congresswoman Lee first met when Simon was a student of Congresswoman Lee’s at&nbsp; Mills College. Congresswoman Lee has been a mentor to Simon and inspired her to pursue a career in public service. Congresswoman Lee is now running for United States Senate.&nbsp;“Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s legacy and decades of service to the people of our district are incomparable,” said Lateefah Simon. “For the last 25 years, she has been a voice for moral clarity in Congress and she has boldly represented the progressive values of this district. It is not hyperbole to say Congresswoman Lee is one of the most respected legislators of our time and someone who broke ceilings and blazed trails for Black women in politics. I am deeply humbled and honored to have earned her endorsement in this race.”Simon has also earned endorsements from the California Democratic Party, Governor Gavin Newsom, Reproductive Justice for All, SEIU, and over 60+ organizations, elected officials, and labor unions. Her campaign will be opening a campaign HQ in downtown Oakland jointly with Lee’s Senate campaign.Simon currently serves as a member of the Bay Area Rapid Transit Board of Directors where, under her leadership,&nbsp; BART has doubled the number of officers and safety staff systemwide and decreased BART police 9-1-1 call response time to just over 4 minutes — one of the fastest response times of any law enforcement agency in the Bay Area. She is also currently the President of MeadowFund. Previously Simon served as the president of 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.At 26, Simon 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 lower recidivism rates among youth who had interacted with the criminal justice system and reduce crime. 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.

Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) endorsed Lateefah Simon’s campaign for Congress, throwing her support behind Simon to succeed her in California's 12th Congressional District. Congresswoman Lee’s U.S. Senate campaign will also be opening a joint campaign headquarters with Simon’s congressional campaign in downtown Oakland.

Congresswoman Barbara Lee Endorses Lateefah Simon to Succeed her in California’s 12th Congressional

Only one of the candidates is mounting a substantial campaign. BART Director Lateefah Simon has dwarfed all the others with the depth of her support. We endorse her — not because the seat is essentially hers to lose, although it is, but because she is the best candidate.

East Bay Times Editorial: Elect Lateefah Simon for Barbara Lee’s East Bay congressional seat

Of the candidates running, Lateefah Simon is the most qualified. A strong ally to the LGBTQ community, Simon, currently a director on the BART board, has experience with government agencies such as the transit service, as well as with nonprofits like the Young Women's Freedom Center, which she stated she grew into one of the country's leading juvenile justice reentry youth-run organizations that serves gender nonbinary and trans young people.

Bay Area Reporter Editorial: Simon, Low for Congress

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