Latino leaders and organizations in San Diego held a press conference to call on Governor Gavin Newsom to appoint a Latino/a/x to the U.S. Senate. The press conference was one of five held in Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Jose and Fresno. Today’s event was organized by Latino Equity Council.

“This is the most challenging moment in our lifetime. For Latinos, it has been devastating. We need a Latino US Senator in Washington with the experience and perspective that will speak to the health and economic crisis that has hurt Latinos more than any other group,” added David Alvarez on behalf of Latino Equity Council.

Several speakers noted how historic this appointment by the Governor would be, “It’s the work Latinos have done on the ground that built this state to be solidly blue and democratic. It's long overdue that we see ourselves in our government’s highest public offices.”

“This election cycle Latinos turned out in mass numbers at the ballot box, helping make history here in San Diego and at the national level,” said San Diego County Supervisor (elect) Nora Vargas who made history in San Diego by becoming the first Latino or Latina elected as County Supervisor.

Latinos account for 39% of California’s population–more than 15 million people–and are critical to the economic, social and cultural well-being of the state. The selection of a Latino Senator would come at a time when our communities are facing the brunt of the pandemic and its economic impact. The appointment of a Latino to the Senate would be a first in California’s history.

“Latinx young people are the largest group of students in California’s public schools. Our young people deserve to see themselves in our next US Senator,” noted San Diego School Board Member Richard Barrera.

Among other “firsts” speaking today where Mayors Mary Casillas Salas of Chula Vista, Esther Sanchez of Oceanside and Alejandra Sotelo-Solis from National City. “I stand with my San Diego County-wide colleagues to state to Governor Newsom that NOW is time that he appoint a qualified, bilingual and talented Latino/a representative to the US Senate,” said Alejandra Sotelo-Solis. And Councilwoman Paloma Aguirre from Imperial Beach added, “As the first Latina elected to office in a community over 50% Hispanic, I deeply understand the importance of having someone who understands the issues affecting our Latino community.”

About Latino Equity Council

Latino Equity Council is a volunteer Latina/o/x led effort focused on the problems and challenges that disproportionately impact the Latino community. We are a coalition of nearly two dozen community organizations working collectively to propose solutions that make a difference in our communities.

Noticias de la frontera: Border News: 2da semana de noviembre