Senators Lead the Charge in Boycotts (Image Credits: Unsplash)
California – Home to the nation’s largest congressional delegation, the Golden State sent a clear message of division during President Donald Trump’s recent State of the Union address.[1]
Senators Lead the Charge in Boycotts
Senator Adam Schiff became one of the most prominent voices skipping the event, marking the first time in over 25 years he missed such an address. He described Trump as an “out-of-control and corrupt president” who ignored issues like climate change to enrich himself and target enemies.[1][2] Schiff planned to join the “People’s State of the Union” event outside the Capitol instead.
Other Democrats echoed this sentiment. Representative Ami Bera refused to lend dignity to what he saw as constitutional disregard, while Representative Doris Matsui rejected normalizing “cruelty, chaos, and fear.”[3] Representative John Garamendi left his guest seat empty to honor a deported constituent, turning absence into a protest symbol.
Attendees Choose Guests with Purpose
Not all California Democrats stayed away. Representative Eric Swalwell attended and invited Teresa J. Helm, a survivor of abuse linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Representative Robert Garcia, though boycotting, had planned to highlight Annie Farmer, another Epstein survivor, to press for the release of related files.[1]
Representative Nancy Pelosi brought Rev. Devon Jerome Crawford, senior pastor of San Francisco’s Third Baptist Church, to underscore faith in action for democracy. Republican Representative Ken Calvert hosted Riverside County Auditor-Controller Ben Benoit, a longtime friend. Representative Josh Harder invited Rev. Nelson Rabell-González to represent immigrant communities amid policy tensions.[3]
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- Rep. Kevin Kiley (R): Attended with Claudia Tanner, honoring local history.
- Rep. Sara Jacobs (D): Boycotted alongside others like Sydney Kamlager-Dove and Julia Brownley.
- Rep. Dave Min (D): Opted out, calling the event normalization of “outrageous evil conduct.”
Padilla’s Spanish-Language Rebuttal Fires Back
Senator Alex Padilla delivered the Democratic Spanish-language response, accusing Trump of lying about the economy and terrorizing communities through immigration enforcement. He pointed to rising costs in California, deaths in detention centers, and operations in Los Angeles.[4]
Padilla warned of election manipulation tactics and rallied viewers with a quote from Bad Bunny: “Together, we are America.” His remarks followed dozens of California Democrats skipping the Capitol event altogether.
Designated Survivor Adds Another Layer
Representative Mike Thompson served as the Democrats’ designated survivor, stationed in a secure location. He invited Napa City Council Member Bernie Narvaez, a Marine veteran and small business owner. Thompson criticized Trump for raising costs, unleashing ICE, and threatening democracy.[3]
| Decision | Examples |
|---|---|
| Attending | Swalwell, Pelosi, Calvert, Kiley, Harder |
| Boycotting | Schiff, Garcia, Bera, Matsui, Jacobs |
| Special Role | Padilla (response), Thompson (survivor) |
This mix reflected broader tensions, with guests chosen to spotlight survivors, veterans, and affected communities.
California’s delegation showcased unity in size but diversity in strategy, underscoring deep partisan rifts in Washington. The strongest takeaway? Actions like boycotts and pointed invitations amplified local voices on national issues. What do you think about these responses? Tell us in the comments.
- Multiple Democrats boycotted to protest perceived corruption and harsh policies.
- Attendees used guests to highlight Epstein survivors and community leaders.
- Padilla’s rebuttal and Thompson’s role extended California’s influence beyond the chamber.
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