East Bay U.S. Rep. Lateefah Simon: Working with a Republican-controlled Congress [Video]

Lateefah Simon, the Congresswoman elect for California’s 12th district representing the East Bay, said she’s ready to roll up her sleeves and work for her constituents.

She’ll take over for Barbara Lee, who represented the district for more than 25 years.  

Simon said she’s proud to be the first Muslim congresswoman from California.

The self-described progressive Democrat said getting things done won’t be easy because of a Republican-controlled congress and a Republican president.

She says building relationships with lawmakers regardless of party and interacting with constituents will bring results.  

“I’m Lateefah. I’m going to be your new member for congress,” said Simon as she introduced herself to a man working to sweep Telegraph Avenue in downtown Oakland.  

On a recent Monday, she was back in her district which includes the city of Oakland after spending the past few weeks in Washington D.C. getting orientation for  her new job.

The 12th …