Elected’s Issue Statements on Passing of Gloria Molina

Los Angeles elected officials issued the following statements on Gloria Molina, which have been edited for length.

“Jennifer and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Gloria Molina, a trailblazing changemaker who improved the lives of countless Angelenos and Californians and opened doors for generations of women in politics and public service.

“Never losing sight of her roots in community organizing and advocacy, Molina was not afraid to clash with prominent politicos in her fight for working-class neighborhoods. Her leadership delivered lasting results advancing social justice for Eastside communities, creating parks and community centers and expanding public transit, among other accomplishments.

“Molina’s enduring legacy of service and dedication to empowering others is an inspiration to all Californians. Our thoughts are with her family, community and friends during this time of loss.” — Gov. Gavin Newsom

“Gloria Molina was a force for unapologetic good and transformational change in Los Angeles. As an organizer, a City Councilwoman, a County Supervisor and a State Assemblywoman, Supervisor Molina advocated for those who did not have a voice in government through her pioneering environmental justice work, her role as a fiscal watchdog, and her advocacy for public health. As the first woman Mayor of Los Angeles, I know I stand on Supervisor Molina’s shoulders. On behalf of an ever grateful city, I express my deepest condolences to Supervisor Molina’s family, friends and community.”—  Mayor Karen Bass 

“It takes an enormous amount of courage to be the first woman in the room and Gloria was the first woman and first Latina in nearly every room she was in across her career. She didn’t just make space for herself — she opened the door to the rest of us. Women in politics, particularly in Los Angeles County, owe a great debt of gratitude to Gloria Molina. May she rest in peace.” — Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Janice Hahn:

“For countless women, Latinos, and young people, there’s been no better champion or role model in California politics than Gloria Molina. She dedicated her life to public service, entering political office during a time when few women or Latinos held top roles in public office.  

The daughter of working-class parents, Gloria fought tooth and nail for working class communities across Los Angeles. She was an unrelenting champion for disadvantaged communities in the halls of power at the local, state, and federal levels. From helping to build more affordable housing to fighting to expand public transportation, Gloria was a tireless advocate for Los Angeles’ Eastside. Each time we speak out today against the status quo and demand better from our government and our political leaders, we take a page from Gloria’s playbook—and California takes a step forward.

“I’ll be forever grateful for her steadfast leadership and commitment to improving the lives of all Angelenos. Angela and I send our condolences to Gloria’s family during this difficult time.”  — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)