Leading Progressive Candidate Talks With Gen Z For Change In TikTok Forum

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Last night, congresswoman and candidate for U.S. Senate Barbara Lee took to TikTok for a conversation with Gen Z For Change. As TikTok users tuned in live, Lee discussed the roots of her activism, her work on issues impacting young Californians, and the economic and political prowess of pop superstar Taylor Swift.

Gen Z For Change endorsed Lee last fall, joining other youth-led organizations and community leaders supporting Lee’s record on climate action, reproductive freedom, antiwar advocacy, and other priorities.

On affordable housing:

“We have to have sustainable housing strategies. If young people want to buy a house, like I did, when I was on public assistance — I was able to buy a house because my government invested in me. That little two-bedroom house cost me $19,000 then…Young people right now can’t even really think about that because of the cost of housing. I want to take that experience and continue to work on policies for affordable housing.”

On climate action:

“We have to have environmental justice as part of our climate policy. That’s extremely important…vulnerable populations must have a seat at the table and must have any input into climate policy. Part of what is important to me is that young people have that seat at the table as we develop climate policy, and help me champion a Green New Deal.”

On antiwar advocacy:

“What is taking place in the Middle East and Gaza, the catastrophic toll that it’s taking on civilians is wrong. It’s immoral, and I’ve called early on for a ceasefire. What I said was the same as I said after 9/11: this is going to spiral out of control. By engaging in this type of war, we’ll never find a path to a diplomatic solution where there’s peace and security for everyone in the region.”

On reproductive rights:

“When the Texas decision came down restricting abortion access, I didn’t really want to [speak about my abortion] because it was so private, you know? But I felt like…I had to step out as a member of Congress so young people knew that they had a voice in Congress who had experienced this and who knows, and saw them, and heard them. I want to fight to do everything in my power to make abortion access real.”

On Taylor Swift:

“Her voice is so powerful — through her words, her shows, her tours. Her support for voter registration. Everything that she’s doing. She’s a trusted messenger! So, I may be an adopted Swiftie. Her song, “Shake It Off” — the liars and the cheaters and all that. Look, I can relate to that, y’all! I’m the Bay Area [for football], but I love Taylor Swift. Not only is she a brilliant artist, but she’s a brilliant politician [laughs].”

On being young at heart:

“I was so honored and humbled by Gen Z for Change’s endorsement. I’ve always been a Gen Z-er — your agenda is my agenda! It’s like, well finally we’ve come together. The spirit is there. You have to have spirit, and hope, and optimism that we can change the world, and that’s who I am.”