Local and state leaders reacted to Donald Trump’s presidential election win, looking ahead to the next four years and offering a message of Democratic solidarity. The Republican defeated his opponent, Democrat Vice President Kamala Harris, after surpassing the 270 electoral college votes needed to win.
READ MORE: Live election results: Statewide and local races we’re following
On Wednesday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass addressed the outcome of the election and promised that city leadership would remain in solidarity with L.A. residents no matter what happens next.
“No matter what, Angelenos will always protect each other. The fabric of our city is woven by the hearts of people from all over the world coming together in pursuit of opportunity,” Bass said on X. “That’s who we are and that’s what our policies in the City of Los Angeles will uphold.”
No matter what, Angelenos will always protect each other.
The fabric of our city is woven by the hearts of people from all over the world coming together in pursuit of opportunity and equity. That’s who we are — and that’s what our policies in the City of Los Angeles will… pic.twitter.com/GAku8BuSuO
— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) November 6, 2024
Harris conceded the election to Trump Wednesday morning and addressed her supporters at her alma mater Howard University. “The outcome of this election is not what we fought for,” said Harris, “But hear me when I say the light of America’s promise will always burn bright as long as we never give up.”
Shortly after Harris’ speech, California Gov. Gavin Newsom released a statement commending her commitment to democracy and pointed some remarks at Trump.
“California will seek to work with the incoming president — but let there be no mistake, we intend to stand with states across our nation to defend our Constitution and uphold the rule of law,” Newsom said.
Newsom put actions behind those words Thursday, calling newly elected state lawmakers to start working as soon as they’re sworn in on Dec. 2 for a special session. According to a proclamation from Newsom, The state legislature will begin working on ways to bolster state legal resources to protect civil and reproductive rights, climate action, and immigrant families.
Newsom has also asked the state legislature to approve funding for the Department of Justice and other state agencies to file any necessary lawsuits, just like the state did during Trump’s first term.
READ MORE: Donald Trump is elected 47th president; Harris concedes
Hilda Solis, the L.A. County Supervisor representing unincorporated East L.A., issued a statement acknowledging Harris’s hard-fought campaign.
“I want to commend Vice President Harris for running a campaign centered on joy and inclusivity. She outlined a vision where everyone would succeed in our economy while looking out for the wellbeing of our communities regardless of where they live, how much they make, or who they love,” Solis said.
“Today is a difficult day for many of our communities in Los Angeles County. We have seen what four years of a Trump Administration looks like and know that it is our most vulnerable residents that will face the greatest harm. I am grateful to live in a County and a State that have repudiated xenophobia, racism, homophobia, and the politics of fear that drove this election. I remain steadfast in my commitment to stand up for social justice, reproductive rights, keep families together, and ensure that Los Angeles County remains a welcoming place for all regardless of race, gender, or where they were born.”
Wendy Carrillo, California State Assemblymember for the 52nd District which includes a large part of the Eastside, shared a letter on X, subtly addressing the outcome of this year’s presidential election.
“Grief is an emotional response to a loss. It can be painful, numbing, and it can be intense and random. It’s okay to grieve for a nation, for a loss of a moral compass,” Carrillo wrote. The assemblymember then finished her letter on a hopeful note: “When you are ready, the fight continues.”
A note from me to you. There will be more in the days to come. Much love ?#Election2024 pic.twitter.com/9fcOlcRzl1
— WendyCarrillo (@wendycarrillo) November 6, 2024
In the 2016 election, Trump defeated Hillary Clinton, the former U.S. senator and secretary of state, to become president. He built a massive support base using the slogan “Make America Great Again,” and promising to “build a wall” to keep out immigrants on the U.S.-Mexico border. Trump once again ran on an anti-immigrant campaign and vowed to enact mass deportations.
During his first term, Trump’s administration frequently engaged in legal battles with California. State lawmakers filed over 100 lawsuits over Trump’s actions on immigration, gun control, health care, air pollution, and more, according to the L.A. Times.
