OAKLAND, CA – Tonight, following the closing of polls in California’s 2024 primary and special election, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement:

Our campaign has always been about giving a voice to people who don’t feel heard in Washington — and I’m exceptionally proud of the grassroots, multi-ethnic, cross-generational coalition this campaign built across California to send someone who will fight for them and speak truth to power in the Senate.

I spent today with my community in the East Bay, visiting vote centers and connecting with voters coming out to participate in the Democratic process.

Part of that process is allowing the time for every ballot cast — every voice — to be counted, and I’m looking forward to watching the results in the coming days.

My mentor and friend, the great Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm said, ‘You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.’

Universal healthcare, climate justice, economic equity, reproductive freedom, peace and security around the world — these are only ideas if we don’t fight for them. They’re fights I’ve dedicated my life to.

And seeing the passion and enthusiasm on the ground, willing to do the work and come out and join this fight — I couldn’t be prouder to know that progress is happening here in California.