Labor Leader Gloria Alvarado looked out at the passionate activists gathered in a cul-de-sac just outside of Rep. Young Kim’s Congressional office in Anaheim Hills Friday evening. Although facing a significant political defeat, the spirit of the community, labor, and non-profit organizers remained unshaken. Rep. Kim had just voted with most House Republicans to pass a budget resolution that threatens crucial life-saving programs, including health care, food assistance, education, childcare, and veteran benefits. While Medicaid benefits for millions of Americans are now at risk and working families, especially those with children, face the prospect of hunger, the determination of the gathered activists shone through.

“Rep. Kim’s constituents wrote her thousands of letters,” Alvarado the executive director of the Orange County Labor Federation, representing over 200,000 workers and 90 unions. told the crowd. “We had meetings with her staff. We were able to show that the safety net for millions of vulnerable Americans would be shredded.” 

By siding with President Trump’s agenda, Rep. Kim prioritized tax breaks for the wealthiest one percent over the needs of her constituents, with the resolution passing by a narrow margin. Two GOP representatives voted No, but neither was from California.

For activist Ayla Lopez, Rep. Kim’s vote was personal. “I was a food stamp kid, and my grandmother always gave up buying things she wanted so we could have what we wanted.” Now, Lopez’s grandmother is on kidney dialysis, and loss or reduction of Medicaid benefits could be a death sentence. 

Large demonstrations at Rep. Kim’s two district offices (the other one is in Mission Viejo) have been led by We Are California, a non-profit funded primarily by labor unions. The vigil included representatives from OCCCO, the Orange County Congregation Community Organization, OC Action and the Filipino Workers Center. 

These groups, in alliance with union advocates, took bold actions, such as town halls, a mock funeral for victims of the Trump Medicaid cuts, statewide rallies, and instances of civil disobedience where activists bravely risked citations and arrest.

The mood of the event did not stay somber for long. “We can’t get down on this effort,” said Orange County Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento inspiring the crowd. “I know this is a tough moment, but we can’t give up. Those of you who fasted and put yourselves on the line are the reason we fight.” 

The defiant words brought a change in tone to the candlelight vigil. The event became a defiant block party as mariachi ballads gave way to upbeat dance tunes. OCCCO Community Organizer Blandy Morales said faith remains and with faith, she said, there is hope. 

The budget resolution now heads to the Senate. Using this process, passage in the Senate will only require a majority vote, 50 plus one, instead of normal Senate rules that call for a 60-vote majority.