Democrats grow concerned about 2024 election

With the 2024 presidential election looming, many concerns exist about what happens through either candidate’s election, particularly Donald Trump. Several members of the California government in Sacramento within the Democratic Party express their concerns about the effects of Trump gaining a second term, noting Trump’s potential ability to shut down the voices of his opposition, as well as reversing several policies under President Joe Biden’s administration. 

“[Trump’s] now threatening to undo the judicial system, which is an essential threat to democracy. We all hold our rights to express our freedom of speech, and our ability to express our political views without retaliation. To imagine we would have a president that would put at risk those fundamental views to all of us… that should put a chill on everyone,” said state Senator Nancy Skinner.

Members of California’s government worry about Trump’s election taking not only their voice within the government away but also much of the work they’ve done under the Biden administration.

Izzy Gardon, representative of Gavin Newsom, concurs, as he believes that the progress made under the Biden administration would be undone should Trump be elected to office. “We saw what happened when Trump came into office, whether you’re an immigrant family or someone who’s just trying to get ahead… especially when it comes to immigration, there were a lot of policies that were rolled back.” 

Gardon notes the DACA program as an example, as he explains that “folks whose only country they’ve ever known is America and some of these kids only speak English, and the Trump Administration wanted to roll back [the DACA program] that’s given them temporary status and opportunity and essentially throw them back into the shadows.”

The Olympian also reached out to Republican Assemblymember Juan Alanis, however, he declined to comment on the election.

Assemblymember Liz Ortega summarized the stakes of this election, stating that with Trump’s dangerous policies on guns and immigration, she wants to make sure the younger generations stay engaged and use their voice. As her daughter told her, don’t sell out.

Though the stakes of this election are high for the younger generations, Judith Gutierrez, communications director of Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo reminds everyone that it is just as important that the younger people do as much as they can to make an impact within their own communities. 

“I want to remind the younger community that there is so much to do at the local and state levels as well. You can canvas, phone bank for local members, and really have your voice heard so you can impact those older communities who can vote in this election,” said Gutierrez.