San Francisco Latino Democratic Club

As a member-based organization, our members democratically elect our Executive Board and the SF Latino Democratic Club. Kevin Ortiz is no longer involved on the executive board and has stepped back. Discrediting the Latino community, and SFLDC Board, primarily led by women, is offensive and disrespectful. 

It is surprising that Senator Wiener would choose to litigate the SFLDC’s internal processes from a previous board’s tenure in lieu of discussing his campaign to represent San Francisco in a highly competitive race happening now.  

It’s unfortunate Senator Wiener is not willing to meet with the one of the most progressive clubs in the City.  It’s apparent that the last debate with progressive clubs did not fare well for the senator, evident through the senator’s newly adopted rules and regulations for a debate to control and silence any real discourse.  

Clearly, Senator Wiener is concerned about polling numbers dropping following his performance during the Milk/Working Families Party debate question about the genocide in Gaza, and his consistent flip flopping on well documented human rights violations in Gaza. Imagine how the senator would fare if faced with questions about the human rights violations happening to Latinos in the US present day. 

Also importantly, SFLDC’s internal processes were made public with our findings at the time of our special investigation and our committee members voted based on the facts and not emotions. Our investigative committee was comprised of women and highly qualified experts in the prevention of sexual violence, and the committee’s focus was on accountability and due process. Historically, Latinos have been dismissed and discredited, and your team is continuing that systemic racist pattern in order to avoid any further damage to your fast failing campaign.

It is extremely concerning that Senator Wiener wants to represent San Franciscans in the US Congress, yet is unable to demonstrate the commitment needed to defend due process of law as the Trump administration is attacking it daily.  Perhaps Senator Wiener is not the right candidate for the job if he is willing to ignore due process when convenient to avoid any real dialogue on tough issues. The San Francisco Latino community deserves the opportunity to discuss the issues our next member of Congress will take on.

Finally, the SFLDC’s decision to leave the Corporate Democratic Party in San Francisco followed the exit of the Rose Pak Democratic Club because it was not representative of Latinos, our community. It was not about any member, certainly not to shield anyone.  SFLDC Executive Board members participated with the creation and development of the SFDCCC policy on sexual harassment and assault for several months - and have adopted those policies in addition to our own. 

As a legacy democratic club in San Francisco, we reserve our right to decide what’s in the best interest of our members. Our club voted unanimously to decharter based on the lack of representation, and we stand by that decision.

Your refusal and disrespect to meet with the Latino community is noted. We will leave a seat open for you should you change your mind.

Regards,

SFLDC Executive Board

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