Left-Wing Party Taps Harris Ally Lateefah Simon to Counter Trump’s Congressional Address
The Working Families Party (WFP), a small but vocal left-wing political organization, has selected Democratic California Representative Lateefah Simon to deliver its response to President Donald Trump’s address to Congress on Tuesday. Simon, a freshman congresswoman representing California’s 12th district, is a longtime friend and mentee of former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Simon expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, "I’m honored to speak on behalf of the Working Families Party. We need a government that is run by and for working people, not billionaires—and that’s what the WFP is fighting for. When I see what’s happening in our country right now, it’s essential that we—as Members of Congress—are showing up for our communities and reminding people that it doesn’t have to be this way."
The WFP has a history of utilizing prominent progressive voices to counter presidential addresses. In previous years, Representatives Ayanna Pressley, Jamaal Bowman, and Rashida Tlaib have been chosen to deliver the party’s response.
Simon’s selection highlights her rising prominence within the Democratic Party and the progressive movement. Prior to entering Congress, she established herself as a social justice advocate in California. Her long-standing relationship with Vice President Harris further solidifies her position as a significant figure within the party.
The connection between Simon and Harris dates back to the early 2000s when Harris worked in the San Francisco City Attorney’s office. Simon has spoken publicly about the impact Harris has had on her life and career. "I really believed in her. The young women that I worked with believed in her. But never in a million years did I think that I would work for her," Simon told NPR in an interview last year. She credited Harris with encouraging her to pursue a college degree, inviting her to join her team as San Francisco district attorney, providing career guidance, and even officiating her wedding ceremony.
Simon recounted an instance when Harris offered her a position in the District Attorney’s office, saying, "You can either carry this bullhorn on your back for the rest of your life, demanding that elected officials work for you and the young people that you care about, or you can become a part of my team, and we can actually deconstruct some of these inequities."
Prior to her election to Congress, Simon served as board president for the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system. During her tenure, particularly during the defund-the-police movement of 2020, she advocated for shifting away from traditional policing models on public transportation. She supported the implementation of unarmed ambassadors in place of armed officers.
Simon’s background has not been without scrutiny. Reports have surfaced regarding her decade-long friendship with a top executive of a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) front group, including instances where she publicly praised the executive on social media platform X.
Despite the controversy, Simon successfully won her election in November, succeeding former Democratic Representative Barbara Lee to represent California’s 12th congressional district. Since assuming office, she has been identified by liberal media outlets as a rising star in the Democratic Party. Harris officiated Simon’s congressional swearing-in ceremony in January, underscoring the depth of their personal and professional connection.
"I am so honored to have my mentor and former boss, Vice President Kamala Harris," Simon stated on January 7th. "Since our time together in the district attorney’s office in San Francisco, the vice president has played an integral role in shaping my public service career, and I have learned so much from her. She has also paved the way for women across the nation like me who aspire to serve their country at the highest levels. It was a special moment to stand with her today, look her in the eye and begin my journey as the Congresswoman for California’s 12th District."
President Trump’s address to Congress, scheduled for 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, marks his first since returning to the Oval Office in January. While not officially designated as a "State of the Union" address, given that Trump has not been in office for the past year, the speech comes at a critical juncture. It follows a recent meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
In addition to the WFP’s response delivered by Simon, the Democratic Party has selected Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin to provide a formal response to Trump’s address. The dual responses highlight the multifaceted opposition to the Trump administration’s policies and agenda. They also offer different perspectives on the challenges facing the nation and potential paths forward.
