Local Democrats Share ‘Relief’ And ‘Tears Of Joy’ During Biden Inauguration

Politicians: They work out big feelings on social media just like the rest of us.

Local elected representatives shared exuberant messages and selfies on Wednesday during the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Congresswoman Linda Sánchez, whose district includes L.A. and Orange County cities like Norwalk, Pico Rivera and Whittier, kicked things off with a video from the inaugural platform.

Sánchez also announced she will run point in the House of Representatives for a top priority for the new administration: the U.S. Citizenship Act, which creates an eight-year path to citizenship for many of the 11 million immigrants in the country without legal status.

"We've waited too long for reform," Sánchez said on Twitter. "On day one of this Biden Administration, we’re not wasting any time. We are getting to work and we will get this done."

“Honored to witness the swearing in of our first black, AAPI, woman Vice President,” San Gabriel Valley Rep. Judy Chu posted on Twitter. “Kamala Harris is the first, but she won't be the last.”

Congressman Jimmy Gomez, whose district includes Boyle Heights and parts of East and northeast L.A., attended with his wife, Mary Hodge.

The Boston Globe’s Jazmine Ulloa caught up with freshman Democratic Rep. Sara Jacobs. She was elected in November to succeed 10-term congresswoman Susan Davis in San Diego.

Los Angeles Rep. Maxine Waters, who chairs the House Financial Services Committee, shared her sentiments on Twitter:

Congressman Adam Schiff, House Intelligence Committee Chairman, echoed Waters’ feelings of relief.

Democrats weren’t the only ones sharing positive vibes. Several Republicans expressed well-wishes for President Biden.

Freshman Congresswoman Young Kim, who represents the 39th District in North Orange County, plus parts of San Bernardino and L.A. counties, posted a photo with her daughter along with a message about unity.

Longtime GOP Congressman Darrell Issa, who was just elected to return to the House representing the 50th District in inland San Diego County, issued a statement:

“California Republicans have seen first-hand the consequences of far-left policies,” State Senate Republican Leader Shannon Grove said in a statement. “Republicans will continue to bring balance and fight to restore both the California and American Dream through peaceful and productive civic engagement.”

In a few cases, epidemiology got in the way. Rep. Raul Ruiz said on Twitter he was unable to attend the ceremony because of a positive COVID-19 test.

Also, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who campaigned for Biden and was a co-chair of his Inaugural Committee, was not in Washington for the festivities. Garcetti was spied Wednesday morning at Dodger Stadium where he was greeting people who were there to receive a coronavirus vaccination.