BOLD ENDORSED HISPANIC CANDIDATES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 16, 2026 Contact: valeria@chcboldpac.com CHC BOLD PAC Congratulates Analilia Mejía on Historic Election to New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District Mejía Becomes First Latina to Represent the District, Only the Second Latina Elected to Congress from New Jersey WASHINGTON D.C. – Tonight, CHC BOLD PAC, the campaign arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, congratulates Analilia Mejía on her election to New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. CHC BOLD PAC Chairwoman Linda Sánchez issued the following statement on Mejía’s victory: “CHC BOLD PAC proudly congratulates Analilia Mejía on her groundbreaking victory as the first Latina elected to represent New Jersey’s 11th District and just the second Latina to serve New Jersey in Congress,” said CHC BOLD PAC Chairwoman Sánchez. “Analilia has been a tireless advocate for working families, economic justice, and equitable opportunities. Her leadership reflects the strength and diversity of her community, and we are confident she will deliver meaningful results for New Jersey families.” A steadfast organizer and tireless advocate for working people, Mejía has built her career empowering communities and advancing policies that expand opportunity and protect working people. CHC BOLD PAC celebrates her historic achievement and looks forward to her continued leadership in Congress. ### CHC BOLD PAC, the campaign arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, was founded in 2001 to increase Latino representation in Congress. Since its founding, BOLD PAC has more than doubled the size of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 13, 2026 Contact: valeria@chcboldpac.com CHC BOLD PAC, Elect Democratic Women, and Women Vote Launch $1 Million Paid Program to Support Denise Powell in NE-02 WASHINGTON D.C. – The Congressional Hispanic Caucus’ BOLD PAC, Elect Democratic Women (EDW), and Women Vote are launching a $1 million paid program this week in support of Denise Powell in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District. The program will communicate why Denise is best positioned to win in November with voters in the district across both broadcast TV and cable. New polling from GQR found that Denise Powell has a broad base of support and is in a strong position to win this race once voters learn more about her background and positions on key issues. After voters hear both candidates’ messages, Powell leads Cavanaugh 41%-34%. “NE-02 is one of the best pickup opportunities for Democrats in the country, and Denise Powell has a real path to victory,” said CHC BOLD PAC Chairwoman Linda Sánchez . “That's why BOLD PAC is proud to partner with Elect Democratic Women and EMILY’s List to stand behind Denise Powell with the full force of our organizations' records of winning races and increasing diversity. Electing Denise will bring another strong Latina voice to Congress, and we know she will never stop fighting for the Latino community and working families across the country.” “Denise Powell is exactly the kind of leader we need in Congress to help counter Donald Trump’s dangerous agenda and deliver for Nebraska families,” said Congresswoman Lois Frankel, Chair of Elect Democratic Women . “A mom, small business owner, and longtime advocate for public education and affordable health care, Denise has spent her career uplifting her community, and Elect Democratic Women is proud to continue supporting her campaign.” “Flipping this seat is crucial for Democrats to regain the U.S. House majority in 2026, and Denise Powell is our strongest candidate. Denise understands how the Republicans’ reckless agenda harms Nebraskans and is ready to fight for real solutions,” said Jessica Mackler, president of EMILYs List . “EMILYs List is excited to be launching a joint paid media program to reach Nebraska voters about what is at stake in this race. We’re ready to help Denise win and make a real difference for the people of Nebraska.” CHC BOLD PAC is the political arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, dedicated to increasing the diversity of our leadership in the House and Senate. Since its founding, BOLD PAC has raised more than $73 million and more than doubled the size of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Elect Democratic Women is the only Member-led PAC dedicated to electing more women to Congress and higher office. Formed in 2018 by Democratic House members, EDW has raised over $40 million, supported over 200 women running for office, and helped elect and re-elect over 100 women to Congress. EMILYs List , the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, works to elect Democratic pro-choice women up and down the ballot. We've raised $990 million to help elect over 1,900 Democratic pro-choice women by recruiting and training candidates, supporting and helping build strong campaigns, researching the issues that impact women and families, and running one of the most impactful independent expenditure operations for Democrats. Collectively, CHC BOLD PAC, EDW, and EMILYs List endorse candidates who are the future of the Democratic party, and support races that will make all the difference to flip the House this November. This joint effort reflects Denise Powell’s growing momentum ahead of the May primary. ### CHC BOLD PAC, the campaign arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, was founded in 2001 to increase Latino representation in Congress. Since its founding, BOLD PAC has more than doubled the size of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
ICYMI: New Polling Shows Denise Powell Leads 41-34 in NE-02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 2, 2026 Contact: valeria@chcboldpac.com CHC BOLD PAC Endorses Democrats in Key Texas Races to Flip the House Bobby Pulido in TX-15, Katy Padilla Stout in TX-23, and Johnny Garcia in TX-35 Secure Key Endorsement WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, CHC BOLD PAC, the campaign arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, proudly announces its endorsement of Bobby Pulido for Texas’ 15th Congressional District, Katy Padilla Stout for Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, and Johnny Garcia for Texas’ 35th Congressional District. Together, these candidates embody the energy, resilience, and vision driving the next chapter of Democratic leadership in Texas. They are champions who understand the stakes for working families, bring lived experience to the table, and are ready to fight for opportunity and Latinos in every corner of their communities. Bobby Pulido, Candidate for Texas’ 15th Congressional District “Bobby Pulido brings a powerful combination of real-world experience and deep community roots to this race. As a small business owner, father, and South Texas native, he understands the challenges working families face and is committed to delivering practical and people-first solutions. From protecting farmers and ranchers, to expanding access to quality healthcare, to ensuring South Texas families aren’t left behind in an economy they help build,” said CHC BOLD PAC Chairwoman Linda Sánchez. “I’m honored to have BOLD PAC’s endorsement as we build a campaign centered on the people of South Texas,” said Bobby Pulido. “This community shaped me, and I’m running to make sure families here have the opportunities, resources, and leadership they deserve.” BobbyPulido is a lifelong South Texan, small business owner, and award-winning Tejano artist from Edinburg, Texas. A father of four, he has built his career creating jobs, supporting his community, and staying rooted in the Rio Grande Valley. Bobby is running for Congress to bring honest leadership and practical solutions to the challenges South Texas families face every day. Katy Padilla Stout, Candidate for Texas’ 23rd Congressional District “Katy knows what it means to grow up with hard work as a lifeline,” said Chairwoman Linda Sánchez. “From the farm fields of Dimmit County to the school halls of Northside, she has spent her life lifting up children and families, and she’ll bring that same courage and commitment to Congress.” “I’m running because families across Texas deserve leaders who actually show up for them,” said Katy Padilla Stout. “I am focused on real solutions that make life better for our kids, our teachers, and our communities.” Katy PadillaStout is a lifelong Texan shaped by grit, family, and service. Raised by a single mother, with migrant farm worker grandparents and a strong foundation in public service, teaching her from an early age that every opportunity must be earned through hard work. She taught in public schools, practiced child welfare law, and now runs a family law firm, all while raising four kids, two adopted through foster care, with her husband, Austin. Johnny Garcia, Candidate for Texas’ 35th Congressional District “Johnny Garcia has spent his life showing what real leadership looks like—service, integrity, and putting people first,” said Chairwoman Linda Sánchez. “From the streets of San Antonio to a career in public service, Johnny has dedicated himself to helping others and fighting for working families—and he’ll bring that same commitment to Congress.” “I’m running because working families in my community deserve leaders who actually deliver results,” said Johnny Garcia. “This campaign is about making life better for our kids, our neighbors, and everyone who makes our community strong. It’s about turning hard work into an opportunity for every family.” JohnnyGarcia is a lifelong San Antonio resident. Raised by a strong mother in a working-class household, he knows firsthand the challenges everyday Texans face. He worked construction while attending St. Philip’s Community College, and at 21, he joined the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, where he has served in patrol, as a SWAT Crisis Negotiator, and as Public Information Officer, building bridges with the community and leading efforts to make law enforcement more transparent and accountable. In the Texas Primary, we saw more Democrats show up to the polls than Republicans. In TX-23 , Katy Padilla Stout benefited from strong turnout, with more Democratic voters supporting her than either Republican candidate. Across South Texas, this enthusiasm reflects a broader shift: voters, especially Latino families, are energized to elect leaders who will fight for our communities and deliver real results. ### CHC BOLD PAC, the campaign arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, was founded in 2001 to increase Latino representation in Congress. Since its founding, BOLD PAC has more than doubled the size of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. *** PARA DISTRIBUCIÓN INMEDIATA: 2 de abril de 2026 Contacto: valeria@chcboldpac.com CHC BOLD PAC respalda a demócratas en elecciones clave en Texas para cambiar el control de la Cámara Bobby Pulido en TX-15, Katy Padilla Stout en TX-23 y Johnny García en TX-35 aseguran un respaldo clave Washington, D.C. – Hoy, CHC BOLD PAC, el brazo de campaña del Caucus Hispano del Congreso, anuncia con orgullo su respaldo a Bobby Pulido para el 15.º Distrito Congresional de Texas, a Katy Padilla Stout para el 23.º Distrito Congresional de Texas y a Johnny García para el 35.º Distrito Congresional de Texas. Juntos, estos candidatos encarnan la energía, la resiliencia y la visión que impulsan el próximo capítulo del liderazgo demócrata en Texas. Son defensores que comprenden lo que está en juego para las familias trabajadoras, aportan experiencia vivida y están listos para luchar por oportunidades y por los latinos en cada rincón de sus comunidades. Bobby Pulido, candidato para el 15.º Distrito Congresional de Texas “Bobby Pulido aporta una poderosa combinación de experiencia en la vida real y profundas raíces comunitarias en esta contienda. Como propietario de una pequeña empresa, padre y sureño de Texas, comprende los desafíos que enfrentan las familias trabajadoras y está comprometido a ofrecer soluciones prácticas centradas en las personas. Desde la protección de agricultores y ganaderos hasta la expansión del acceso a atención médica de calidad y asegurar que las familias del sur de Texas no se queden atrás en una economía que ayudan a construir”, dijo la presidenta de CHC BOLD PAC, Linda Sánchez. “Me siento honrado de contar con el respaldo de CHC BOLD PAC mientras construimos una campaña centrada en la gente del sur de Texas”, dijo Bobby Pulido. “Esta comunidad me formó, y estoy postulándome para asegurar que las familias aquí tengan las oportunidades, los recursos y el liderazgo que merecen.” Bobby Pulido es un sureño de Texas de toda la vida, propietario de una pequeña negocio y galardonado artista tejano de Edinburg, Texas. Padre de cuatro hijos, ha construido su carrera generando empleos, apoyando a su comunidad y manteniéndose arraigado en el Valle del Río Grande. Bobby se postula al Congreso para llevar un liderazgo honesto y soluciones prácticas a los desafíos que enfrentan las familias del sur de Texas todos los días. Katy Padilla Stout, candidata para el 23.º Distrito Congresional de Texas “Katy sabe lo que significa crecer con el trabajo duro como salvavidas”, dijo l a presidenta Linda Sánchez. “Desde los campos agrícolas del condado de Dimmit hasta los pasillos de la escuela Northside, ha dedicado su vida a impulsar a niños y familias, y llevará ese mismo valor y compromiso al Congreso.” “Me postulo porque las familias de todo Texas merecen líderes que realmente estén presentes para ellas”, dijo Katy Padilla Stout. “Estoy enfocada en soluciones reales que mejoren la vida de nuestros niños, nuestros maestros y nuestras comunidades.” Katy Padilla Stout es una tejana de toda la vida, formada por la tenacidad, la familia y el servicio. Criada por una madre soltera, con abuelos trabajadores migrantes y una sólida base en el servicio público, aprendió desde pequeña que cada oportunidad debe ganarse con esfuerzo. Enseñó en escuelas públicas, ejerció derecho de protección infantil y ahora dirige un bufete de derecho familiar, todo mientras cría a cuatro hijos, dos de ellos adoptados a través del sistema de acogida, junto a su esposo, Austin. Johnny García, candidato para el 35.º Distrito Congresional de Texas “Johnny García ha dedicado su vida a mostrar cómo es el verdadero liderazgo: servicio, integridad y poner a las personas primero”, dijo la presidenta Linda Sánchez. “Desde las calles de San Antonio hasta una carrera en el servicio público, Johnny se ha comprometido a ayudar a los demás y a luchar por las familias trabajadoras, y llevará ese mismo compromiso al Congreso.” “Me postulo porque las familias trabajadoras de mi comunidad merecen líderes que realmente entreguen resultados”, dijo Johnny García. “Esta campaña se trata de mejorar la vida de nuestros niños, nuestros vecinos y de todos los que fortalecen nuestra comunidad. Se trata de convertir el trabajo duro en una oportunidad para cada familia.” Johnny García es residente de San Antonio de toda la vida. Criado por una madre fuerte en un hogar de clase trabajadora, conoce de primera mano los desafíos que enfrentan los texanos. Trabajó en construcción mientras asistía a St. Philip’s Community College, y a los 21 años se unió a la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Bexar, donde ha servido en patrullas, como negociador de crisis SWAT y como Oficial de Información Pública, construyendo puentes con la comunidad y liderando esfuerzos para que la policía sea más transparente y responsable. En las primarias de Texas, vimos que más demócratas acudieron a las urnas que republicanos. En el TX-23 , Katy Padilla Stout se benefició de una participación fuerte, con más votantes demócratas apoyándola que cualquiera de los candidatos republicanos. En todo el sur de Texas, este entusiasmo refleja un cambio más amplio: los votantes, especialmente las familias latinas, están galvanizados para elegir líderes que lucharán por nuestras comunidades y entregarán resultados reales. ### CHC BOLD PAC, el brazo de campaña del Caucus Hispano del Congreso, se fundó en 2001 con el objetivo de aumentar la representación latina en el Congreso. Desde su fundación, BOLD PAC ha duplicado con creces el tamaño del Caucus Hispano del Congreso.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 10, 2026 Contact: valeria@chcboldpac.com CHC BOLD PAC Endorsed Candidate Robin Peguero Surges in Florida’s 27th Congressional District Peguero Leads in Fundraising and Consolidates Grassroots Support WASHINGTON D.C. – CHC BOLD PAC, the campaign arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, reiterates its support for Democrat Robin Peguero and applauds his performance in Florida’s 27th Congressional District. Peguero has built a fundraising lead in contributions, raising over $700,000 from 6,000 individual donors to date. Peguero has consolidated broad Democratic support, earning endorsements from nearly two dozen national, state, and local leaders. “Robin represents the best of Miami – he has dedicated his life to serving the public and fighting for Miami families,” said Chairwoman Linda Sánchez. “ We need leaders who can step up and meet this moment. That's Robin. He's shown he has the energy and the fight to prosecute the case against Congresswoman Salazar — in English and in Spanish. He's ready to be a Congressman on day one. We're proud to get to work for him.” “I’m honored to have received BOLD PAC’s endorsement. I’m ready to get to work on day one to serve the people of Miami,” said Peguero. “The people of Miami deserve a fighter – that’s what I’ve done all my life, and that’s what I’ll continue to do in Congress.” Robin Peguero is a first-generation American prosecutor and public servant who has spent his career keeping communities safe by putting criminals and predators behind bars. He’s running in South Florida’s 27th District, which is 74% Hispanic. Robin is committed to ensuring that every family in South Florida has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of background. ### CHC BOLD PAC, the campaign arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, was founded in 2001 to increase Latino representation in Congress. Since its founding, BOLD PAC has more than doubled the size of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. *** PARA DISTRIBUCIÓN INMEDIATA: 10 de marzo de 2026 Contacto: valeria@chcboldpac.com Candidato respaldado por CHC BOLD PAC, Robin Peguero, gana terreno en el 27.º distrito congresional de Florida Peguero Lidera en Recaudación de Fondos y Fortalece el Apoyo Popular Washington, D.C. – CHC BOLD PAC, el brazo de campaña del Caucus Hispano del Congreso, reitera su apoyo al demócrata Robin Peguero y celebra sus avances en el 27.º Distrito Congresional de Florida. Peguero lleva la delantera en recaudación de fondos, obteniendo más de $700,000 de 6,000 donantes individuales hasta la fecha. Además, ha consolidado un amplio respaldo demócrata, recibiendo el apoyo de casi dos docenas de líderes nacionales, estatales y locales. “Robin representa lo mejor de Miami: ha dedicado su vida a servir al público y a luchar por las familias de Miami”, dijo la presidenta Linda Sánchez . “Necesitamos líderes que puedan responder a este momento. Ese es Robin. Ha demostrado que tiene la energía y las agallas para llevar la batalla contra la congresista Salazar, tanto en inglés como en español. Está listo para ser congresista desde el primer día. Estamos orgullosos de trabajar por él.” “Me siento honrado de haber recibido el respaldo de BOLD PAC. Estoy listo para trabajar desde el primer día para servir al pueblo de Miami”, dijo Peguero . “La gente de Miami merece un luchador; eso es lo que he hecho toda mi vida y eso es lo que continuaré haciendo en el Congreso.” Robin Peguero es un fiscal y servidor público estadounidense de primera generación que ha dedicado su carrera a mantener seguras a las comunidades, enviando criminales y depredadores ante la justicia. Se postula en el 27.º Distrito del sur de Florida, que es 74% hispano. Robin está comprometido a asegurar que cada familia del sur de Florida tenga la oportunidad de prosperar, sin importar su origen. ### CHC BOLD PAC, el brazo de campaña del Caucus Hispano del Congreso, se fundó en 2001 con el objetivo de aumentar la representación latina en el Congreso. Desde su fundación, BOLD PAC ha duplicado con creces el tamaño del Caucus Hispano del Congreso.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 4, 2026 Contact: valeria@chcboldpac.com CHC BOLD PAC Congratulates Rep. Sylvia Garcia on Winning the Democratic Primary in Texas’s 29th Congressional District WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, CHC BOLD PAC, the campaign arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, proudly congratulates Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) on her victory in the Democratic primary election for Texas’s 29th Congressional District. Donald Trump and Texas Republicans tried to silence Latino voters by redrawing the maps, but Latinos in Houston have kept their representation. “CHC BOLD PAC is thrilled to congratulate Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia on her primary victory,” said CHC BOLD PAC Chairwoman Linda Sánchez. “Sylvia has always been a fearless advocate for working families in Houston and across Texas. Her victory tonight is a testament to the deep trust her community has in her leadership and her unwavering commitment to protecting immigrant communities, uplifting minority voices, and expanding economic opportunity for all. We are proud to stand with her as she heads into the general election.” Sylvia Garcia, one of the first Latinas elected to represent Texas in Congress, has built a long record of public service dedicated to uplifting Houston families. From her time as Houston’s City Controller and Harris County Commissioner to her service in Congress, she has championed economic opportunity, immigration reform, and reproductive rights. CHC BOLD PAC proudly celebrates Congresswoman Garcia’s primary victory and looks forward to supporting her campaign as she continues fighting for Texas families in the general election. ### CHC BOLD PAC, the campaign arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, was founded in 2001 to increase Latino representation in Congress. Since its founding, BOLD PAC has more than doubled the size of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. *** PARA DISTRIBUCIÓN INMEDIATA: 04 de marzo de 2026 Contacto: valeria@chcboldpac.com CHC BOLD PAC Felicita a la Congresista Sylvia García por Ganar la Elección Primaria Demócrata en el Distrito Congresional 29 de Texas Washington, D.C. – CHC BOLD PAC, el brazo político del Congressional Hispanic Caucus, felicita con orgullo a la congresista Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) por su victoria en la elección primaria demócrata del Distrito Congresional 29 de Texas. Donald Trump y los republicanos de Texas intentaron silenciar a los votantes latinos al redibujar los mapas, pero los latinos en Houston han mantenido su representación. “CHC BOLD PAC está encantado de felicitar a la congresista Sylvia García por su victoria en la primaria”, dijo la presidenta de CHC BOLD PAC, Linda Sánchez. “Sylvia siempre ha sido una defensora valiente de las familias trabajadoras en Houston y en todo Texas. Su victoria esta noche es testimonio de la profunda confianza que su comunidad tiene en su liderazgo y de su compromiso inquebrantable con la protección de las comunidades inmigrantes, el fortalecimiento de las voces de las minorías y la expansión de las oportunidades económicas para todos. Estamos orgullosos de estar a su lado mientras se dirige a la elección general.” Sylvia García, una de las primeras latinas elegidas para representar a Texas en el Congreso, ha construido una larga trayectoria de servicio público dedicada a apoyar a las familias de Houston. Desde su tiempo como Contralora de la Ciudad de Houston y Comisionada del Condado de Harris hasta su servicio en el Congreso, ha impulsado oportunidades económicas, la reforma migratoria y los derechos reproductivos. CHC BOLD PAC celebra con orgullo la victoria de la congresista García en la primaria y espera apoyar su campaña mientras continúa luchando por las familias de Texas en la elección general. ### CHC BOLD PAC, el brazo de campaña del Caucus Hispano del Congreso, se fundó en 2001 con el objetivo de aumentar la representación latina en el Congreso. Desde su fundación, BOLD PAC ha duplicado con creces el tamaño del Caucus Hispano del Congreso.
Original Article: New York Times Latino Democrats Fight to Fend Off Upstart Challengers The Congressional Hispanic Caucus is defending four key incumbents in primary races centered on how aggressively Democrats are combating ICE and President Trump. By Kellen Browning | March 2, 2026 Representative Adriano Espaillat of New York brandished a court order outside an immigration detention facility in Manhattan last month, demanding to check on the migrants’ living conditions. As he prepared to enter, Mr. Espaillat ran through the ways that fellow Democratic members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus had tried to support undocumented immigrants — whether by backing legislation or by putting themselves in harm’s way. “We’ve been teaching the Democratic caucus how to fight this,” he said. Mr. Espaillat is one of four Latino House Democrats trying to fight off primary challenges from younger opponents and from the left — including some from fellow Latinos — at a time when they say they are leading the charge in combating President Trump’s deportation push and the tactics of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. One of those Democrats, Representative Sylvia Garcia of Texas, is facing a competitive primary on Tuesday. On Monday, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’s political action committee injected new urgency into the incumbents’ efforts to hold their seats, announcing an effort called “Luchadores” aimed at defending the four key members. The committee, BOLD PAC, argues that Latino Democrats in Congress have been crucial in fighting ICE, and that their identities and experiences are especially important to have in Congress when so many Latinos in America are afraid of being detained or deported. But their challengers say the incumbents have simply not been fighting aggressively enough. As Democrats contend with an anti-establishment backlash and accusations that their party has fallen out of touch with everyday people, a wide array of incumbents face primary opponents this year. At least one progressive, Analilia Mejia of New Jersey, has already scored an upset victory against an establishment Democrat in a primary race this year. In some of these races, as in many others, the challengers accuse the incumbents of being ineffective, of upholding a status quo that hinders the working class and of hoovering up donations from corporate interests and through groups like AIPAC, the pro-Israel lobbying organization. “When you get to Washington and you are bought and sold by corporate PACs and right-wing lobbies, you don’t have to actually fight with the urgency that your community demands,” said Usamah Andrabi, a spokesman for Justice Democrats, a progressive group. It helped vault Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York to Congress and is backing two of the challengers to Latino incumbents this year. Aside from Mr. Espaillat, who serves as chair of the caucus, and Ms. Garcia, the other Latino House Democrats facing primary challenges include Representatives Rob Menendez of New Jersey and Jimmy Gomez of California. BOLD PAC has already spent $204,000 on mail advertising defending Ms. Garcia, whose primary election is on Tuesday. The committee has amassed an $11.2 million war chest so far this year across its aggregated committees. BOLD PAC has $6.8 million in cash on hand, it said. In 2024, the PAC spent $485,000 defending Mr. Menendez against a different primary challenger and $3.3 million overall backing the caucus’s incumbents that year. It spent $2.8 million to help incumbents in 2022. This year, the four incumbents face varying degrees of competitiveness in their challenges, and the races have unique quirks. Ms. Garcia, for instance, is running in a new Houston-area district after Texas Republicans redrew the state’s congressional map last year in an effort to oust several Democratic incumbents. Much of her Latino constituency was drawn into a different district that is expected to become an easy pickup for Republicans. Ms. Garcia is now facing Jarvis Johnson, a Democratic former state representative who is Black, in a heavily Black district. He has argued that Ms. Garcia struggled to engage voters in her old district. Last month, The Houston Chronicle described Ms. Garcia’s political career as being “in serious jeopardy,” though a poll later found her leading Mr. Johnson by double digits. In an interview, Ms. Garcia said that she was optimistic about her chances but concerned about the contest — given the newness of the district — and that she was campaigning until the very last moment. A loss, she said, would mean that the three million Latinos in the Houston region would no longer have “someone that looks like them, that shares their values, their language, their culture, their heritage.” In New Jersey, Mr. Menendez fended off a serious competitor two years ago, running in the shadow of the case against his father, Bob Menendez, the former senator who was later convicted on bribery and corruption charges. Now the younger Mr. Menendez faces Mussab Ali, a progressive former member of the Jersey City Board of Education whose campaign is backed by Jamaal Bowman, the former New York congressman who was part of the left-wing “Squad.” Last month, Mr. Menendez emerged from an immigration detention center in Newark called Delaney Hall looking drained after hours of meeting with immigrants and checking on their legal situations and living conditions. “Delaney Hall is set up to break people,” he said. “It’s difficult to comprehend why we collectively allow this to continue, and it’s infuriating.” Mr. Menendez said he had been fighting Mr . Trump’s deportation efforts for more than a year. “What has he done?” Mr. Menendez said of Mr. Ali. “He talks and he’ll put out Instagram videos — what has he actually done?” Mr. Ali responded that he has been “on the ground educating immigrant residents and business owners on their rights,” and that Mr. Menendez “didn’t say ‘Abolish ICE’ until we forced it into the race.” In Los Angeles, Mr. Gomez faced a tough re-election bid in 2024 against a progressive candidate who earned 44 percent of the vote. An AIPAC-tied group spent money defending Mr. Gomez, support that his half-dozen primary opponents this time around hope will drag him down at a time when many Democrats have turned against Israel over the war in Gaza. One challenger, Angela Gonzales-Torres, who has the backing of Justice Democrats, said Mr. Gomez had moved far too slowly in combating ICE — a claim BOLD PAC denies — and in holding workshops for immigrants to learn their legal rights. “We need someone in office that feels and acts on the urgency of this moment,” Ms. Gonzales-Torres said. “People are calling some Democrats ‘do-nothing Democrats’ — he is one of them.” Ms. Gonzales-Torres, an activist whose father was deported to Mexico over a decade ago, said the primary battle was less about identity and more about the working class versus the establishment. “More than the fact that both Gomez and I are Latinos, this is about real representation and respect for our people and who we are fighting for,” she said. It’s a similar argument made by Mr. Espaillat, just in reverse. In New York, he, too, faces a younger Latina challenger backed by Justice Democrats, Darializa Avila Chevalier. “It’s not just being Hispanic or young — you’ve got to know the district,” Mr. Espaillat said, listing off various demographic groups in his diverse Harlem region. “And I think I know that district better than anybody else in New York City.” Mr. Espaillat said he empathized with voters’ desire for new voices. But, he said, am a new voice.” “I’m the first Dominican American elected to Congress, and the first formerly undocumented member of Congress,” he added. He pointed to his insurgent bona fides: unsuccessful runs more than a decade ago against Charles Rangel, a Black former congressman, and an eventual victory over Mr. Rangel’s handpicked successor — all of which irked the Congressional Black Caucus. (It is now backing Mr . Espaillat.) Ms. Avila Chevalier, a Ph.D. student and organizer who helped lead protests against the war in Gaza at Columbia University, said that Mr . Espaillat’s acceptance of money from AIPAC-tied groups and corporate PACs undercut his stance as a fighter. “The incumbent, even to this day, has not said ‘Abolish ICE’ — he’s been saying ‘dismantle,’” Ms. Avila Chevalier said. “I’m not even clear what that means — it sounds like reform. This is not an institution that can be reformed.” Kellen Browning is a Times political reporter based in San Francisco.
Original Article: POLITICO Democrats’ next push to be more likable with Latinos By ALI BIANCO | February 18, 2026 DOWN IN THE LONE STAR STATE: You may not have heard of Carlos Eduardo Espina . But there’s about 14 million people across the U.S. who follow the Uruguayan-American’s Spanish content on TikTok, almost religiously. And it’s influencers like him that are forming the bedrock of the Democratic Party’s latest bet to win back Latino voters going into the midterms. With the primary in Texas already underway, BOLD PAC, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’ campaign arm, kicked off a new digital-first strategy called RUIDO aimed at mobilizing Latino content creators — about 50, to start — to reach voters and get them to turn out for Democrats. It’s a new approach for a coalition of voters that has historically had abysmal turnout in off-year elections, and who often never interact with a candidate in local races or receive traditional outreach. “I think Democrats quickly realized, we need to reach this new set and this new demographic, or this changing demographic, of people so we can understand what they’re feeling, what they’re thinking,” Espina told your author. And doing so could mean a “new brand of the Democratic Party.” Democrats think they have an opening with Latinos as polling increasingly shows frustration with Trump’s immigration agenda and with the cost of living. But there’s another problem that influencers like Espina are hoping they can help with — Democrats just haven’t been likable, he told Playbook. That much is still evident in the latest AP-NORC polling that shows positivity hasn’t bounced back in parts of the party compared to 2024. It was creators like Espina who started sounding alarms within the party back in 2021 that Latino voters were souring on the Biden administration’s immigration agenda. The shift of voters toward Trump — especially in Texas, where Espina lives — was something he saw coming for years. But these Latinos aren’t “permanent Trump voters,” as Espina put it, and can be reached through a more community-focused approach to politicking. Latinos especially are among the biggest consumers of social media like TikTok. “It’s very interesting how I’ve been able to break into a very non-political crowd,” Espina said. “My audience is not watching MS NOW. They’re not watching CNN.” The idea is a creator like Espina works with candidates to encourage early voting, to promote their message in Spanish and raise visibility across platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. The influencers can then provide feedback to the party about what their followers say actually matters to them. “It’s in the very early stages, but I think it’s a great step in the right direction,” he said. The program’s aim is to lock in voters ahead of the general election, rather than waiting until crunch time in the fall when candidates start releasing Spanish ads. “Whatever votes turn out, you’re banking those votes for Election Day,” Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), one of the leaders at BOLD PAC, told Playbook. “It’s great that they’re doing this, because in order to win, we got to go where the voters are at.” Republicans are also doubling down on their own push to keep Latino voters in their corner come Election Day, a Republican strategist, granted anonymity to discuss party strategy, told Playbook. “Do I think it changes anything?” they said of Democrats’ social media approach, “no, absolutely not.” Just one day into early voting, there’s early signs that Democrats’ activation strategy may be paying off: the early vote among Latinos yesterday was 8 points higher than the first day of early voting in the last election cycle, BOLD PAC told Playbook. That’s just in Texas’ 29th District, where the PAC held its kickoff event and where Espina has been flooding the zone with early-voting posts. “I think you’re going to see record numbers,” Rep. Sylvia Garcia, who represents and is running for reelection in the redrawn 29th District, told Playbook. “I know that it’s going to make a difference in my race.” AND IN SOUTH TEXAS: POLITICO’s Andrew Howard has a must-read on Tejano star Bobby Pulido , who was a top recruit for Democrats this cycle in Texas’ 15th District but is staring down a messy primary battle against ER doctor Ada Cuellar that has gotten increasingly personal. “We’re actually vetting the candidate,” Cuellar told Andrew. “The DCCC clearly didn’t vet him at all.” Pulido’s campaign, meanwhile, says it’s keeping the powder dry. “It’s become personal one way only,” Pulido said. “I haven’t responded. We’ve been really focused on talking to voters.”
Original Article: AP Latinos Democrats recruit popular content creators in new strategy to win back Latino voters By MATT BROWN | February 18, 2026 DOWN IN THE LONE STAR STATE: You may not have heard of Carlos Eduardo Espina . But there’s about 14 million people across the U.S. who follow the Uruguayan-American’s Spanish content on TikTok, almost religiously. And it’s influencers like him that are forming the bedrock of the Democratic Party’s latest bet to win back Latino voters going into the midterms. With the primary in Texas already underway, BOLD PAC, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’ campaign arm, kicked off a new digital-first strategy called RUIDO aimed at mobilizing Latino content creators — about 50, to start — to reach voters and get them to turn out for Democrats. It’s a new approach for a coalition of voters that has historically had abysmal turnout in off-year elections, and who often never interact with a candidate in local races or receive traditional outreach. “I think Democrats quickly realized, we need to reach this new set and this new demographic, or this changing demographic, of people so we can understand what they’re feeling, what they’re thinking,” Espina told your author. And doing so could mean a “new brand of the Democratic Party.” Democrats think they have an opening with Latinos as polling increasingly shows frustration with Trump’s immigration agenda and with the cost of living. But there’s another problem that influencers like Espina are hoping they can help with — Democrats just haven’t been likable, he told Playbook. That much is still evident in the latest AP-NORC polling that shows positivity hasn’t bounced back in parts of the party compared to 2024. It was creators like Espina who started sounding alarms within the party back in 2021 that Latino voters were souring on the Biden administration’s immigration agenda. The shift of voters toward Trump — especially in Texas, where Espina lives — was something he saw coming for years. But these Latinos aren’t “permanent Trump voters,” as Espina put it, and can be reached through a more community-focused approach to politicking. Latinos especially are among the biggest consumers of social media like TikTok. “It’s very interesting how I’ve been able to break into a very non-political crowd,” Espina said. “My audience is not watching MS NOW. They’re not watching CNN.” The idea is a creator like Espina works with candidates to encourage early voting, to promote their message in Spanish and raise visibility across platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. The influencers can then provide feedback to the party about what their followers say actually matters to them. “It’s in the very early stages, but I think it’s a great step in the right direction,” he said. The program’s aim is to lock in voters ahead of the general election, rather than waiting until crunch time in the fall when candidates start releasing Spanish ads. “Whatever votes turn out, you’re banking those votes for Election Day,” Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), one of the leaders at BOLD PAC, told Playbook. “It’s great that they’re doing this, because in order to win, we got to go where the voters are at.” Republicans are also doubling down on their own push to keep Latino voters in their corner come Election Day, a Republican strategist, granted anonymity to discuss party strategy, told Playbook. “Do I think it changes anything?” they said of Democrats’ social media approach, “no, absolutely not.” Just one day into early voting, there’s early signs that Democrats’ activation strategy may be paying off: the early vote among Latinos yesterday was 8 points higher than the first day of early voting in the last election cycle, BOLD PAC told Playbook. That’s just in Texas’ 29th District, where the PAC held its kickoff event and where Espina has been flooding the zone with early-voting posts. “I think you’re going to see record numbers,” Rep. Sylvia Garcia, who represents and is running for reelection in the redrawn 29th District, told Playbook. “I know that it’s going to make a difference in my race.” AND IN SOUTH TEXAS: POLITICO’s Andrew Howard has a must-read on Tejano star Bobby Pulido , who was a top recruit for Democrats this cycle in Texas’ 15th District but is staring down a messy primary battle against ER doctor Ada Cuellar that has gotten increasingly personal. “We’re actually vetting the candidate,” Cuellar told Andrew. “The DCCC clearly didn’t vet him at all.” Pulido’s campaign, meanwhile, says it’s keeping the powder dry. “It’s become personal one way only,” Pulido said. “I haven’t responded. We’ve been really focused on talking to voters.”
Original Article: MORNING JOE 02/18/2026 New outreach launches to engage Latino voters via social media The Congressional Hispanic Caucus this week launched 'Ruido,' a new outreach to Latino voters. Rep. Linda Sánchez , D-Calif., joins Morning Joe to discuss. Full clip here .
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