Unfortunately, even here in California, we’ve seen MAGA politicians hijack local school boards and city councils.

I’ve spoken out forcefully against their culture war efforts, including by issuing statements, writing letters, and even speaking at Council Chambers against book bans, voter suppression efforts, and proposals targeting the LGBTQ+ community. I’ve also introduced legislation to address some of these bad faith initiatives. 

At the same time, we’ve also seen a sharp rise in hate here in the OC and across the country, including anti-Asian hate, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and anti-LGBTQ+ hate. I’ve held or participated in over 150 panels, roundtables, and other events organized to try to speak out against rising hate. I’ve authored legislation to address these issues, including  a major bill trying to deal with rising harassment on public transit, and I’ve worked closely with local officials to try to coordinate strategies on making our residents feel safer. I’m proud of the fact that I’m endorsed by over 60 local government officials, as well as major anti-discrimination groups such as Equality CA, the largest LGBTQ+ rights group in the country, and Asian Americans in Action.

In Congress, I’ll continue to stand up for marginalized communities and stand up to the MAGA extremists, both in Washington, DC and here at home.