Leading Voices in The Pro-democracy Field Stand with Us

We are thankful for the many statements of support and congratulations from our esteemed colleagues in the pro-democracy field on our move to a independence…

"Mindy has been a steady force in advancing the data, analysis, and insight needed to protect and expand voting rights. During my time as California Secretary of State, she was a frequent and valued thought partner—someone I relied on for clear-eyed perspective and rigor. That partnership has continued in my work in the United States Senate, where her leadership remains both trusted and impactful. I’m proud to see her step into this next chapter and confident that she and CID will continue to drive meaningful progress for voters in California and across the country."

- Alex Padilla, United States Senator

“Now, more than ever, the Center for Inclusive Democracy and their trusted and impactful work are needed, at the state and national level. I look forward to their continued excellence and leadership voice in their new status as an independent institution.”

  - Tani Cantil-Sakauye, President and CEO, Public Policy Institute of California , Chief Justice of CA (retired)

"Mindy Romero and the Center for Inclusive Democracy have built one of the most important research programs on election access and voter participation in the country. Their work on who participates in American democracy and who doesn't — and why — has shaped how election officials, policymakers, and scholars understand the gaps between democratic ideals and democratic practice. At a moment when public confidence in elections is fragile and the infrastructure of participation needs strengthening, that work matters more than ever. I look forward to continuing to work with Mindy and the CID on elections, voting, and strengthening democracy’s foundations in the years ahead."

- Archon Fung, Ph.D., Director, Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation,
Winthrop Laflin McCormack Professor of Citizenship and Self-Government,
John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University

"Mindy Romero is the gold standard of research, data and analysis of engaging voters in our democracy. Her work and establishment of the Center for Inclusive Democracy has provided unique insight into what is working in our society, our systems and our democracy - along with what is not. In a world where data is too often partisan and used for misinformation efforts we are fortunate to have a North Star to look to and I’m grateful her work will be looked to for years to come."

- Mike Madrid, Political Analyst, Founder of the "Latino Working Class Project”

"The Center for Inclusive Democracy has long been a trusted partner in the fight for a democracy that truly includes all of us. This transition to independence is not just a milestone — it's a declaration. At a time when institutions are retreating and the pressure to compromise is real, CID is stepping forward with clarity and courage. That's exactly the kind of partner we need. We celebrate this new chapter and remain committed to building alongside CID."

- James Woodson, CEO, California Black Power Network

“The League of Women Voters of California is excited to celebrate the Center for Inclusive Democracy’s launch as a freestanding institute. For 16 years, Mindy Romero and her team have produced the rigorous, nonpartisan research and trusted data that LWVC relies on to expand voter access, reach underrepresented communities, and strengthen representation across the state. We live in perilous times when academia is under threat and truth itself is in the firing line. CID’s decision to protect the integrity of its work is essential to building democracy on the precious bedrock of science. We are energized by this bold step forward and eager to deepen our partnership in the vital work ahead.”

- Jenny Farrell, Executive Director, League of Women Voters of California

"The Center for Inclusive Democracy has been a valued leader in our shared efforts to strengthen our democracy. Year after year, they have provided timely, high-quality data on elections, voting behavior, and civic participation that has informed and advanced the field. We are excited to continue to partner with the Center as it embarks on this new chapter as an independent institution."

- Raúl Macías, Democracy Program Director, Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund.

“The Center for Inclusive Democracy has been essential to the election community in the U.S. An independent CID will mean that it can expand its reach and impact, further serving our democracy and the needs of election officials around the country.”

- Judd Choate, Director, Division of Elections, Colorado Department of State

“On behalf of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the team at the USC Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy, I congratulate Dr. Mindy Romero and the Center for Inclusive Democracy on this exciting step toward independence. We have long admired Dr. Romero’s scholarship and the rigor and impact of the work she and her team have produced. We know that her research will continue to shape policy and strengthen democracy in California and across the nation. The Schwarzenegger Institute looks forward to collaborating with the reimagined Center for Inclusive Democracy for many years to come.”

- Conyers Davis, Global Director, USC Schwarzenegger Institute

“NALEO Educational Fund congratulates the Center for Inclusive Democracy (CID) on its transition to an independent national organization. CID’s research on California’s electorate and voting systems has been instrumental in guiding policies that expand participation for Latinos and other underrepresented communities. We look forward to continuing our partnership to advance a more responsive democracy in California and across the country.”

- Erica Bernal-Martinez, Chief Executive Officer, NALEO Educational Fund

"I am very excited to hear that the Center for Inclusive Democracy is embarking on this new path and will expand its important work across the country. I am really looking forward to seeing what lies ahead"

- Thomas Hicks, Chair, U.S. Election Assistance Commission

"Mindy Romero has built the CID into the authoritative source for analysis of who participates in California’s and the nation's democracy, for convening timely discussions about electoral reform more broadly, and for creating concrete tools that help build more inclusive electorates across the country. I’m excited to see her team advance this vision as an independent organization."

  - Thad Kousser. Ph.D., Professor of Political Science, Co-director of the Yankelovich Center
Co-director of the Center for Trust in Elections, University of California, San Diego.

“The Center for Inclusive Democracy’s research and data tools play a critical role in helping advocates push for elections that work for voters with disabilities. Disability Rights California relies on this work to support evidence-based advocacy and to empower communities to engage with decision-makers. We celebrate the Center’s move to independence as an important step in strengthening this impact.”

–Andy Imparato, CEO, Disability Rights California

“The Center for Inclusive Democracy has been a great partner in our efforts to advance an accurate understanding of our country’s Hispanic Electorate. UnidosUS looks forward to continuing this decade-long collaboration to bolster voters’ ability to have real agency in their government and who represents them.” 

-          - Clarissa Martinez De Castro, Vice President, Latino Vote Initiative, UnidosUS