Senator Padilla’s Statement on the Racist Comments Towards San Diego County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe

SACRAMENTO –Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego) released the following statement in response to the racist comments made towards San Diego County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe during a public hearing:

“A few days ago, one of our elected leaders was the target of an abhorrent, evil, and ignorant act of racism.

Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe is a wise, tenacious, and principled public servant. The use of a phrase so deeply rooted in oppression and malice is disgusting enough, and for it to be used it in an attempt to demean her as she does the work of the people, simply makes it more sickening. I stand with her against this hateful act. But, as Supervisor Steppe said herself, she will not be deterred from doing the good work she has been chosen by the people to do on their behalf.

Racism and hate have no place in our community or in our society. Acts of intolerance like this are powerful reminders of the importance of our work to banish prejudice from our culture.”

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Steve Padilla represents the 18th Senate District, which includes the communities of Chula Vista, the Coachella Valley, Imperial Beach, the Imperial Valley, National City, and San Diego. Prior to his election to the Senate in 2022, Senator Padilla was the first person of color ever elected to city office in Chula Vista, the first Latino Mayor, and the first openly LGBT person to serve or be elected to city office. Website of Senator Steve Padilla: https://sd18.senate.ca.gov/