(KGTV) -- Gov. Gavin Newsom and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria were among the California political leaders that spoke on the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
In a statement, Newsom said:
“Our country is rooted in our democratic ideals and the peaceful transfer of power, despite headwinds suggesting otherwise. With the historic inauguration of President Joe Biden and California’s very own Vice President Kamala Harris, we look forward to coming together and becoming the America we know we can be.
Today is a hopeful and inspiring day in America. I stand with the President in his clarion call for unity and healing, to once again listen to and respect our fellow Americans, to ‘end this uncivil war.’
California stands ready to be a full partner to the Biden-Harris administration as they tackle some of the most challenging crises of the generation: restoring our nation’s promise and reasserting our leadership on the global stage -- all while working to bring the COVID-19 pandemic to an end, advance our economic recovery and build back better.”
Gloria said of Inauguration Day:
“Today, I am filled with a renewed sense of hope and optimism for the future of our country under the leadership of President Joe Biden and, my friend, Vice President Kamala Harris. Together, I know they will provide compassionate leadership and a steady hand to navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, economic uncertainty, climate change and the fight for racial justice.
San Diego is ready to stand with this new administration as true partners as we rebuild our nation. Now it is time for all of us to come together, heal and move forward.”
Rep. Mike Levin, who represents California's 49th District:
"It was an extraordinary honor to attend the historic inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. After four painstaking years, we now have leaders in the White House who will serve all Americans with dignity, honor, and respect. President Biden will seek to unite and heal our country, which is in mourning from a pandemic that has taken the lives of more than 400,000 Americans and an attack on our democracy that tested our nation. He understands the pain that Americans are feeling, and he’s prepared to lead us out of the health and economic crises we face. I also look forward to working with President Biden to support those who have served our country, to protect our planet and combat the climate crisis, and to restore the principles of justice, freedom, and equality that our nation was founded upon.
I am also very excited to have a fellow Californian and my friend Kamala Harris in the White House. I am proud of the many historical barriers she has shattered and know she is ready to lead and will be a critical partner for President Biden in confronting the profound challenges ahead of us. We worked together to address pollution at the Tijuana River Valley, secure eroding coastal bluffs, and improve housing for military families, and I know she will continue to be a tireless advocate for Californians and all Americans in the White House.
Finally, I want to thank the National Guard, Secret Service, Capitol Police, and other agencies involved in ensuring the inauguration was secure, as well as countless other staff who worked tirelessly to support the inauguration. Their work is often thankless, but their service allowed for a historic transition of power, and I am deeply grateful for them.”
State Senate Republican Leader Shannon Grove:
“Today the 46th President of the United States was sworn into office. I join many Americans across our country in praying for our leaders and nation. California Republicans have seen first-hand the consequences of far-left policies. Republicans will continue to bring balance and fight to restore both the California and American Dream through peaceful and productive civic engagement."
Rep. Scott Peters, who represents the 52nd District:
“Four years ago, I fulfilled my role as a Representative and bore witness to the inauguration of a new leader. I did the same today, this time with hope for a better future and a return to decency.
I have the greatest confidence that President Biden and Vice President Harris will guide our country forward with courage, respect and conviction. They will navigate our country out of this pandemic, tackle the climate crisis and restore American leadership abroad. Now is the time for unity, and I look forward to working with the White House and anyone, regardless of political party or title, to solve problems and create a more equitable and prosperous future for all Americans.
It’s a really sad thing that Americans weren’t able to experience, in-person, the transition of power – a cornerstone of our democracy – as has been done for hundreds of years, due to COVID as well as threats from insurrectionists. But this moment marks a turning point as we work to repair the damage that has been brought by this dark chapter in our nation’s history. We should all be inspired to meet the challenge issued by Amanda Gorman: ‘there is always light if only we’re brave enough to see it – if only we’re brave enough to be it.’ With this new beginning, let’s put her words into action and do our part to build back better.”
50th Congressional District Rep. Darrell Issa:
“Every Inauguration Day is a celebration of our enduring democracy — and today continues that uniquely American tradition. I have known President Biden for more than 20 years, I welcome his words of unity, and the country stands to benefit if he keeps the promises he made during the campaign to bring us together. Today is also a time to pray for our nation and its success. May God continue to bless America.”
53rd Congressional District Rep. Sara Jacobs:
“I was honored to represent the people of California’s 53rd District at the Inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris today. Just two weeks ago, a violent mob tried to overturn the will of the people and prevent this important ceremony from taking place. But they failed and our democracy prevailed. I take heart from President Biden’s message this afternoon, that our nation is stronger than the forces that wish to divide us. And I’m looking forward to working with him to do the hard work necessary to repair our frayed community.
As a Californian and a young woman, I was incredibly proud to watch Kamala Harris become the first woman Vice President, first Black Vice President, and first Asian American Vice President. As a young woman growing up, it was so meaningful for me to see women in positions of leadership across San Diego and California, and I’m so excited that kids across this country will now be able to see themselves represented in leadership.
I’m looking forward to working with President Biden and Vice President Harris to end this pandemic, restore trust in our government and our institutions, and rebuild our standing in the world. It won’t be enough to return to the country we were four years ago, and I appreciate the President and Vice President’s shared commitment to moving us forward.
It has been a long four years, and a long two weeks. But I know under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, we are going to build the future all Americans deserve, together. And I can’t wait to get started.”
