Congresswoman Lateefah Simon's Progressive Record Under Scrutiny Following Foundation's Tweet

California Congresswoman Lateefah Simon, representing the 12th Congressional District since January 2025, is facing renewed attention on her extensive background in civil rights and social justice following a recent tweet by the American Accountability Foundation. The conservative "dark money" organization, known for its opposition research on Democratic nominees, highlighted several aspects of Simon's career, including her past roles and policy stances.

The tweet, posted by the American Accountability Foundation, stated: > "Trump-hating CA Rep. Lateefah Simon’s radical resumé is a doozy: •Protégé of Kamala Harris who ran anti-recidivism program •Lifelong Soros ties •Ex-president of a leftist funding machine (racial justice, anti-gun, LGBTQ) •Complained about lack of “bike diversity” •Tried to defund BART police •Appointed Newsom’s “Senior Advisor” on police reform Her political ascent is sure to inspire blind Muslims everywhere!"

Simon's career includes significant work in criminal justice reform, notably as a protégé of Vice President Kamala Harris, with whom she collaborated on the "Back on Track" program in San Francisco, an initiative offering alternatives to incarceration for first-time nonviolent offenders. Her LinkedIn profile also indicates a past association as an "Open Society Foundations Soros Equality Fellow," providing context to the tweet's claim of "lifelong Soros ties."

As former president of the Akonadi Foundation, Simon led an organization dedicated to racial justice in Oakland, supporting initiatives aimed at eliminating structural racism. This role aligns with the tweet's characterization of a "leftist funding machine," although the foundation's primary focus is on racial equity. Simon has also publicly advocated for the LGBTQ+ community.

Regarding public safety, Simon, a former Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) board director, has been a vocal proponent of police reform. She previously voted against a pilot program for unarmed BART ambassadors, advocating for a more comprehensive approach to public safety, including a "significant reduction in the number of armed officers." This stance reflects a push to reimagine policing rather than an outright call to "defund" the police. Additionally, she served as a "Senior Advisor" to Governor Gavin Newsom on police reform.

The reference to "bike diversity" in the tweet pertains to Simon's participation in discussions aimed at increasing diversity within bike advocacy and ensuring accessibility for all, particularly those who rely on bicycles out of necessity. Simon, who is legally blind, has consistently championed accessibility and the rights of people with disabilities throughout her career.