LWVUS Thanks Sen. Cory Booker for Commitment to Democracy

LWVUS thanked Sen. Cory Booker for his unwavering commitment to democracy and civil rights.

April 2, 2025

The Honorable Cory Booker
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator Booker:

On behalf of the League of Women Voters of the United States, I want to personally extend our gratitude for your historic speech on the Senate floor. Holding the floor for 25 hours and 5 minutes was not only an extraordinary feat of endurance but a testament to your unwavering commitment to democracy and civil rights.

The League of Women Voters has spent over a century working to protect and defend democracy, ensuring that every voice is heard and every vote counts. We believe that strong democratic institutions require bold leadership, and your willingness to take this stand — literally— demonstrates the kind of courage necessary in this pivotal moment in our nation's history.

When the League sent a letter in February urging Congress to push back against the anti-democratic policies of the current administration, we hoped for leaders who would rise to the occasion. You did exactly that. You not only held the floor but held the line for democracy, reminding us of all of what is at stake. I hope your display of bravery encourages other colleagues to lean in and stand up in this moment.

It was particularly meaningful that you began and ended your speech with the words of John Lewis — a man whose legacy is woven into the very fabric of the fight for voting rights and justice — the “conscious of the country.” The contrast between your record-breaking stand and that of the previous record-holder, Strom Thurmond, could not be more stark. Where Thurmond’s filibuster sought to block civil rights, your speech championed those rights and hard-won freedoms of the American people. This was a moment of historical realignment, a reclaiming of endurance in service of progress rather than obstruction.

Your invocation of "the power of the people is stronger than the people in power," is a rallying cry for those who refuse to accept backsliding on our fundamental rights. We urge you to continue this fight within Congress by seeking out your colleagues, no matter their political affiliation, and implore them to follow your lead, stiffen their resolve, and find new ways to push back against efforts that undermine our democracy. Your leadership has set a powerful example, and we hope others will join you at this moment. We have nearly 800 Leagues around the country that are working to ensure their communities are prepared to rise to the challenge, but we need to broaden our collective support.

Thank you, Senator, for your dedication, your resolve, and your belief in the power of the people. The League of Women Voters stands ready to support all efforts to safeguard our democracy and protect the rights of every American. If you need to contact me, my direct line is 202-843-0433. 

With gratitude and respect,

Celina W. Stewart, Esq.
CEO
League of Women Voters of the United States