Former Vice President Kamala Harris's longtime mentee and friend has received a significant political platform ahead of President Donald Trump's first congressional address of 2025.
According to Fox News, Democratic Representative Lateefah Simon of California has been selected by the Working Families Party to deliver their response to Trump's upcoming address to Congress on Tuesday.
The freshman congresswoman's selection continues the left-wing political party's tradition of featuring progressive voices, following previous responses from Representatives Ayanna Pressley, Jamaal Bowman, and Rashida Tlaib. Simon, who represents California's 12th congressional district, has already been labeled as a "rising star" within the Democratic Party by liberal media outlets.
Simon's connection to Harris dates back to the early 2000s when they first met during Harris's tenure at the San Francisco City Attorney's office. Their relationship evolved from a professional mentorship into a close friendship, with Harris playing a pivotal role in Simon's personal and professional life, including officiating her wedding ceremony.
The former vice president's influence on Simon's career trajectory has been substantial. Harris encouraged Simon to pursue higher education and offered her a position in the San Francisco District Attorney's office, presenting it as an opportunity to create systemic change from within.
Simon expressed her gratitude during her congressional swearing-in ceremony in January, which Harris officiated. The new congresswoman acknowledged Harris's role in shaping her public service career and breaking barriers for women in politics.
As a social justice advocate, Simon has taken strong positions on various issues, particularly during the 2020 defund-the-police movement. While serving as board president for the Bay Area Rapid Transit system, she advocated for significant changes in policing standards.
Simon shared her perspective on her upcoming response to Trump's address, 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 congresswoman succeeded former Democratic Representative Barbara Lee in November's election, continuing the district's progressive legacy. Her selection for this response comes at a crucial time, as Trump prepares to deliver his first joint address since returning to the Oval Office.
The Democratic Party has chosen Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin to deliver their official response to Trump's address, creating multiple channels for opposition viewpoints. Trump's speech is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday and follows recent tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over the ongoing Russia- Ukraine conflict.
Representative Lateefah Simon will represent the Working Families Party's progressive vision in response to President Trump's first congressional address since his return to office.
Her selection reflects both her rising prominence in Democratic politics and her strong ties to former Vice President Kamala Harris, who has been instrumental in shaping her political career.
The dual responses from Simon and Senator Slotkin demonstrate the varied perspectives within the opposition as they address Trump's vision for the country's future.
