Kamala Harris Protégé Chosen to Counter Trump's Congressional Speech

California Representative Lateefah Simon, a longtime ally and mentee of Vice President Kamala Harris, has been selected by the Working Families Party to deliver the progressive response to President Donald Trump's congressional address on Tuesday night.

"I’m honored to speak on behalf of the Working Families Party," Simon said in a statement. "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."

Simon’s selection puts her in the company of other prominent progressives who’ve delivered similar responses in the past, including Reps. Ayanna Pressley and Rashida Tlaib. The Working Families Party, a smaller but increasingly vocal left-wing group, has used these responses as a platform to highlight progressive values and critique mainstream Democratic leadership.

Lateefah Simon’s connection to Kamala Harris runs deep. Their relationship began in the early 2000s when Harris, then working in the San Francisco City Attorney’s office, encouraged Simon to pursue higher education and later brought her on as part of her team while Harris served as San Francisco’s district attorney. Harris even officiated Simon's wedding and more recently her congressional swearing-in ceremony. Talk about a mentor who goes above and beyond!

Simon credited Harris with shaping her career in public service, saying in January, "She has paved the way for women across the nation like me who aspire to serve their country at the highest levels. It was a special moment to stand with her today, look her in the eye, and begin my journey as the Congresswoman for California’s 12th District."

Simon, a freshman lawmaker, has earned a reputation as a social justice advocate over the years. Her leadership during the 2020 "defund the police" movement, particularly as president of the Bay Area Rapid Transit board, drew attention for her push to replace police with unarmed public safety ambassadors. This stance, while divisive, cemented her as a rising star in progressive circles.

Still, Simon’s ties to controversy haven’t gone unnoticed. Her decade-long friendship with a top executive of a Chinese Communist Party-linked organization has raised eyebrows, with critics questioning her judgment in forming such connections. Yet, her allies dismiss these claims as distractions, pointing instead to her track record of advocacy and commitment to her constituents.

President Trump’s Tuesday address, set for 9 p.m. ET, marks his first joint appearance before Congress since his return to the Oval Office in January. The address comes amidst heightened tensions over the ongoing war in Ukraine and recent meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In response, the Democratic Party has tapped Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin to deliver their official rebuttal.

As the political chessboard continues to shift, Simon’s response will undoubtedly offer a glimpse into the progressive wing’s vision for the nation—a vision that embraces grassroots activism, economic justice, and, let’s be honest, a sharp critique of Trump’s policies. Whether her message resonates with Americans remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: all eyes will be on her Tuesday night.