California Democrats say they will skip Trump's inauguration
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Dozens of democratic lawmakers across the country are now saying this will boycott Trump's inauguration. Several of those represent districts here in the Bay Area including Congresswoman Barbara Lee.
In Oakland to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Congresswoman Lee reaffirmed her position that she sees no reason to do the same at Friday's inauguration of President-Election Donald Trump.
"When you look at the campaign of divisiveness, bigotry, and when you look at the fact that nothing has changed since the campaign, you know I don't think that's something that I need to do in terms of celebrating," said Lee.
Lee was one of the first members of Congress in the country to announce she would boycott the Trump inauguration
Concord Democrat Mark Desaulnier was quick to follow.
When asked if Hillary Clinton can go, if George W. Bush can go, why can't he go? He responded by saying, "I think it's all personal decision. It's personal, the personal decision was not to go. I'm not Secretary Clinton, I'm not Bill Clinton, I'm not a former president, I'm a member of Congress."
San Rafael's Jared Huffman says he too will not attend, while Pleasanton's Eric Swalwell will be joining in the festivities.
BOYCOTT: List of Congressional Democrats skipping Donald Trump's inauguration
"I think it's a personal choice. At this point, I intend to go. I really respect and understand my colleagues who are choosing not to," Swalwell.
New U.S. Senator Kamala Harris will also be there.
But so far, no U.S. senators have announced they will not be attending the formal transition to the Trump presidency.
Dozens of Democratic members of Congress have publicly announced they're not going to attend Donald Trump's inauguration Friday.
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Some of the representatives made their intentions clear over the last few weeks, but others have come forward after Trump lashed out at Rep. John Lewis (D-Georgia) after Lewis said he didn't view Trump as "a legitimate president."
Below is a list representatives from California who are not attending the inauguration:
Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, D-CA
He announced on January 14 that he decided against going to the event:
Rep. Jared Huffman, D-CA
In a Facebook post on January 7, he said: "I do accept the election results and support the peaceful transfer of power, but it is abundantly clear to me that with Donald Trump as our President, the United States is entering a dark and very dangerous political chapter."
Rep. Mark Takano, D-CA
He posted a message on social media January 14 saying he won't attend. He said it was in support for Rep. Lewis:
Rep. Ted Lieu, D-CA
He posted a statement on his website on January 14, saying: "For me, the personal decision not to attend Inauguration is quite simple: Do I stand with Donald Trump, or do I stand with John Lewis? I am standing with John Lewis." Read the full statement here.
Rep. Judy Chu, D-DA
She posted on social media on January 14, saying she won't attend because she's supporting Rep. Lewis:
Rep. Maxine Waters, D-CA
She posted on social media January 15 that she was never planning to attend:
Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allardm, D-CA
She issued a statement to ABC News, saying: "I thought long and hard about attending the Inauguration because I value our democracy and respect the office of the presidency, regardless of party. However, the disparaging remarks the President-elect has made about many groups, including women, Mexicans, and Muslims, are deeply contrary to my values. As a result, I will not be attending the Inauguration. For the sake of our nation, and a world which looks to America for moral leadership, I hope the President-elect will change the tone of his rhetoric, and govern responsibly, respectfully, and compassionately, in accordance with our American values."
