Local politicians give their take on Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration.
Local politicians weighed in on Joe Biden’s inauguration as the 46th president of the United States. Here’s what they had to say:
“Today, I was honored to witness the peaceful transition of power from one world leader to the next. We are so blessed to live in a nation where leadership of the free world is passed along without war, but rather, with regularity. This core principle is a large part of what makes America the greatest country in the world. I am committed to working with the Biden Administration to bring real solutions to the Central Valley, like securing more water for California communities and farmers, facilitating widespread distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to rural communities, and providing serious relief for small business owners.”
— Rep. David Valadao, R-Hanford
“Today, President Biden and Vice President Harris were sworn in, taking an oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution.
“I am grateful to the Capitol Police, National Guard, Secret Service, and all the members of law enforcement who worked to ensure the ceremony was secure and the transition of power was safe and successful.
“Now we must get to work to solve the challenges facing our fellow Americans. The pandemic is still with us. Families, small businesses, and school children still struggle under the weight of economic lockdowns. Millions understandably feel forgotten or ignored. And through the strife here at home, China continues to cheat, steal, and lie as it looks to displace American leadership on the world stage. President Donald Trump led our country in acknowledging and confronting these generational challenges. It would be wise to pick up that mantle and work towards common ground to make our country and her people stronger.
“With margins in the House and Senate narrow, and President
Biden promising to represent everyone, I believe we can unite and restore peace, prosperity, and safety. Looking ahead, I know we will be tested. But I also know there will be many promising opportunities for us to seize. We are all Americans, and together we will succeed, as we have for more than 230 years.”
— Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield
“Today the 46th President of the United States was sworn into office. I join many Americans across our country in praying for our leaders and nation. California Republicans have seen first-hand the consequences of far-left policies. Republicans will continue to bring balance and fight to restore both the California and American Dream through peaceful and productive civic engagement.”
— State Sen. Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield
“Americans have been soul searching for some time. The anger and frustration towards politicians and our political institutions did not happen overnight. It has been years in the making. Years of feeling unheard. Years of the American Dream not working for many. I can’t blame people for their frustration that the American dream does not feel attainable for them. I feel their frustration and deeply share it. However, frustrations can be turned into positive change when there is respect for one another and above all respect for our most sacred institutions.
“I believe in Californians and I know Joe Biden’s heart. I have full faith he is the leader we need to restore the soul of this state and our nation. Only then can our shared visions of freedom, justice, and prosperity work for us all.”
— State Sen. Melissa Hurtado, D-Sanger