Statement By State Senator Laura Richardson On Ninth Circuit Ruling

"It is deeply disappointing that the Ninth Circuit Court has failed to uphold California’s constitutional right to self-governance, by failing to echo a lower court’s conclusion that this administration has overreached its authority, with clear violations of the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

While this ruling represents a setback, California remains resolute. Through the unwavering leadership of Governor Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta, our state will, and must, vigorously defend its sovereign right to determine the use and deployment of our National Guard.

Neither Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass nor Police Chief Jim McDonnell ever requested the presence of National Guard troops. This administration’s actions, therefore, are not grounded in public safety or necessity, but in political theater - an abuse of power aimed at punishing those it perceives as adversaries.

My hope is that the U.S. Supreme Court will correct this dangerous precedent, affirm the principles of states rights, and restore constitutional order in the face of a reckless and authoritarian attempt to erode judicial integrity and civic norms."