OAKLAND, CA — Following the Associated Press calling Representative Adam Schiff and Steve Garvey making the top two in the primary and special election, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement:

I want to thank all of my supporters and all of the volunteers who made calls, knocked doors, and did amazing work on the ground to reach communities across the state. Our voices and values were heard loud and clear: Californians deserve a living wage, an economy that works for everyone, housing and healthcare as human rights, racial and economic equity, public safety for all communities and just climate action.

I was proud to run a grassroots, multicultural and multi-generational campaign that gave a voice to all those wanting to see true progressive change. Despite being heavily outspent by my opponents, our values never wavered. In every step of this campaign, we never backed down from our progressive vision, and worked relentlessly to build a coalition that represents communities that too often are not afforded a seat at the table.

We also sent a strong message on the urgency of calling for a permanent ceasefire and ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Killing over 30,000 civilians is catastrophic and it will never lead to peace and security for the Israelis or the Palestinians. The United States needs to be a leader for a pathway to peace and security in the Middle East and around the world.  

As a Congressmember and a proud Californian, I will continue to deliver for my district and for California. I look forward to working with our people-powered coalition to push our elected leaders to take bold action on ending gun violence, climate justice, defending our reproductive freedom, fixing and protecting our democracy and prioritizing the needs of working people—not big corporations or the wealthy. We will continue to mobilize voters throughout the state and demand action for a better California and not settle for half-measures.

I congratulate my colleague, Rep. Adam Schiff on his victory in advancing in this race.