LOS ANGELES — Tonight, following the first debate of the California Senate race, notable leaders across sectors commended Congresswoman Lee, praising her authenticity, her unmatched progressive record, and the distinct lens she brings to the issues discussed on the stage.

Congressman and campaign chairman Ro Khanna emphasized Lee’s unmatched record as a champion of progressive issues: “Barbara Lee showed tonight that she is the only true, consistent progressive in this race. We need a proven leader in the Senate that represents California’s values — especially those who are too often left behind. Tonight, Barbara Lee demonstrated that she is the champion California deserves.”

With the evening marked by the 51st anniversary of Roe v Wade and abortion rights at the forefront of the conversation, Mini Timmaraju, President and CEO of Reproductive Freedom For All, weighed in on Lee’s longstanding, outspoken advocacy for reproductive autonomy: “As anti-abortion extremists wage a full-on war against reproductive freedom, we need Rep. Lee’s leadership in the Senate now more than ever. For her entire career, she has fiercely championed abortion rights and access – and she showed again tonight that she won’t back down from the fight for our fundamental rights and freedoms. We are proud to have endorsed her in this race, and our 371,000 members in California are already mobilizing to send her to the Senate.”  

Author, advocate, and founder of She The People, Aimee Allison, praised Lee’s lived experience and progressive policy record: “Representation matters, and Congresswoman Lee represents countless women of color across the state of California who are looking for a seat at the table. She showed tonight that she is the only consistent progressive on stage who will fight for our values.”

Former Burbank Mayor and current City Councilmember Konstantine Anthony, spoke on Lee’s clear progressive value set in contrast to her onstage opponents: “On every single issue tonight, Barbara Lee has the most progressive stance. Period. This debate has shown us that if we want to move the country forward, Congresswoman Lee is the right choice for Californians and for the nation.”

Anthony made headlines late last year when he withdrew his former endorsement of Rep. Adam Schiff, Burbank’s representative, in support of Lee’s steadfast antiwar record and early call for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Gaza.

Ilissa Gold, Past President, Miracle Mile Democratic Club shared admiration for Lee’s conviction in standing against antidemocratic values: “If we are to defeat Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans in Congress, it will not be enough for Democrats to simply say that we will stand up to their extremism. We must put forward a bold vision for the future to ensure our coalition will still turn out in November. Barbara Lee demonstrated tonight that she has that vision, as she has throughout her whole career of standing up for progressive values.”