Print Version (PDF)

AP19:035

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 18, 2019
CONTACT:
SOS Press Office
(916) 653-6575

Secretary of State Padilla Statement on Mueller Report

SACRAMENTO – California Secretary of State Alex Padilla released the following statement regarding today’s release of the redacted version of the Mueller Report.

“The Mueller investigation has provided credible, specific evidence of Russian efforts to interfere in our elections, stating that ‘the Russian government interfered in the 2016 election in sweeping and systematic fashion.’”

“For elections officials across the country, the Mueller investigation and indictments have heightened our need for additional resources to defend against cyber attacks and combat misinformation that seeks to suppress the vote. As the report states, ‘GRU officers targeted individuals and entities involved in the administration of the elections.’”

“Inexplicably, however, the President continues his efforts to discredit the Mueller report and the widely accepted findings of our nation's intelligence agencies. The White House and Senator McConnell have killed numerous efforts to meaningfully improve and defend our elections infrastructure. The American people should condemn their inaction and obstruction in the face of real threats to our democracy.”

“In California, we have taken action where the Trump Administration has failed to do so. The state has appropriated funds to upgrade and replace aging voting systems, combat election disinformation, and better provide voters with official election information from trusted sources. Free and fair elections define America. It’s time that the White House and Republican leadership put our values ahead of partisanship and take action to preserve our democracy.”

###