Becerra Statement on President Trump’s Threats on Our Democracy

Former Attorney General who sued the Trump administration 122 times vows California will use “every tool at its disposal” to protect voters this November

SACRAMENTO, CA — Xavier Becerra, candidate for Governor of California, issued the following statement tonight after President Trump delivered remarks undermining the public trust in elections. His speech included unfounded claims that 190,000+ undocumented immigrants are on California’s voter rolls, without any proof or documentation. Election officials and independent fact-checkers have repeatedly found no evidence of widespread noncitizen voting anywhere in the country, and California’s voter rolls are among the most rigorously maintained in the nation.

“If there’s one thing Donald Trump has proven, it’s that he will always try to sabotage an election he fears losing. This November will be no different.

“It’s as predictable as it is dangerous. No amount of lies and conspiracy theories can change what’s been proven time and again: our elections are safe, secure, and accurate. The president’s speech tonight was designed to intimidate and silence voters, tearing at the very fabric of our democracy.

“It won’t work — not here. California has cemented its position as the answer to Donald Trump’s chaos. I know exactly how to hold this president accountable, because I did it 122 times as this state’s Attorney General. Every time he attacked our rights, our communities, and our democracy – I made sure California stood up, fought back, and won.

“If Donald Trump crosses that line, today – and tomorrow as your Governor – we will respond. California will leverage every tool at its disposal — in the courts, at the ballot box, and organizations in every community across this state — to drive turnout, protect every voter’s right to cast their ballot, and ensure every one of those ballots is counted. Every voter. Every ballot. Every time.”