California City leaders break with tradition to rally behind Congresswoman Lee’s lifetime of advocacy and proven record

LOS ANGELES, CA — Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s grassroots campaign continues to secure endorsements from progressive organizations, elected officials, and community leaders across California, including a growing contingent of Golden State Mayors who have chosen to support the Congresswoman instead of backing their hometown candidates.

This week, Burbank Mayor Konstantine Anthony endorsed Rep. Lee, citing her conscientious call for a lasting ceasefire in Israel/Palestine, withdrawing his previous endorsement of his local representative, Rep. Adam Schiff.

“I’m familiar with the challenge of choosing between the easy thing and the right thing — and the choice to endorse against your hometown candidate is not easy,” said Congresswoman Lee. “I’m profoundly grateful to have the support of a coalition of courageous leaders who have made the right choice in joining our campaign. Together, we will deliver for the working people of the Golden State.” 

Mayor Farrah Khan, the first Muslim and first woman of color elected to be Mayor of Irvine – home to Congresswoman Katie Porter – has endorsed Congresswoman Lee. Palm Desert Mayor Karina Quintanilla, the first Latina and youngest woman to hold the position, also supports Congresswoman Lee, despite serving an area represented by Republican candidate Steve Garvey. 

“As Mayor of the second largest city in Orange County and the largest city in District 47, I know first-hand the importance of having a representative that fights to secure funding, that speaks up for our diverse communities, and that has a track record of voting against unnecessary wars,” said Mayor Khan. “We need Rep. Lee in the U.S. Senate because she speaks for me and so many others throughout the state.”

Also endorsing Rep. Lee is Mayor Karen Bass — the first woman and second Black person to be elected Mayor – who backed the Lee campaign instead of those of L.A. area candidates Adam Schiff and Eric Early.