Congressional Hispanic Caucus welcomes new House members, reflects on Latino vote
Original Article: New Jersey Monitor. 11/18/22
The campaign arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus welcomed the highest number of Democratic Latino lawmakers elected to Congress, during a Friday event at the Democratic National Committee headquarters.
CHC BOLD PAC chair, Democratic U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego of Arizona, said continuing to reach out to Latino communities and young voters will be key to taking back the House in 2024, as this week control went to House Republicans following the midterm elections.
Gallego said Latinos came out and voted for Democrats in three key Senate races — in Arizona, Nevada and Pennsylvania — and he expects the number of Latinos who come out to vote in 2024 will be even higher than in the midterms.
“I think there’s also a lot more sophistication on how to reach young Latinos that we didn’t have in the past,” he said. “And you’re going to see that again in 2024.”
Young Latino and Black voters were key to holding off a ‘“red wave” for this year’s midterm elections. Democrats retained control of the Senate, but lost the House by a few seats.
Those new Democratic U.S. House Latino members are Reps.-elect Andrea Salinas of Oregon, Maxwell Alejandro Frost of Florida, Yadira Caraveo of Colorado, Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico, Greg Casar of Texas, Delia Ramirez of Illinois, Robert Garcia of California, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington state and Rob Menendez of New Jersey.
Ramirez, representing Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District, is the first Latina congresswoman from the Midwest. Garcia, representing California’s 42nd Congressional District, is the first Peruvian American and openly gay immigrant in Congress.
Perez, who flipped a seat held by a Republican for more than 12 years, will be the first auto mechanic elected to Congress. She ran on a platform as a moderate Democrat, leaning into her working-class roots, and her support for reproductive rights and the Second Amendment.
Perez said that besides BOLD PAC, no national organization supported her bid for Congress, thinking the district was a Republican stronghold.
“I think that’s directly related to the fact that Latinos have to find opportunity where people tell us there is none,” she said. “We don’t wait for permission, we just kick the door down, and we do the thing.”
Salinas, who is Mexican American and also the first Latina to represent Oregon at the federal level, said when her parents first came to the U.S., they picked cotton and tomatoes in the Rio Grande Valley.
“It’s only I feel like in America where my father can come to this country as someone who worked in the fields, and on January 3, watch his daughter get sworn in as a member of Congress,” she said.
All members get sworn in on Jan. 3, the start of a new Congress.
Salinas’ district, Oregon’s 6th Congressional District, has the largest Latino population in the state.
Caraveo, a pediatrician representing Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, is the first Latina to represent the state at the federal level.
Frost, who is Afro Cuban, will be the first Generation Z candidate elected to Congress. He ran in Florida’s 10th Congressional District, after U.S. Rep. Val Demings, who held the seat, chose to run for the Senate against Republican incumbent Marco Rubio.
(Generation Z is anyone born from 1997 to 2012.)
Frost, 25, said the last few weeks of his campaign were difficult, as his grandmother, who came to the U.S. from Cuba to escape the Fidel Castro regime, passed away. He said he spent those last three weeks by her bedside, re-listening to her stories of when she first came to the U.S. and how she worked multiple factory jobs in Hialeah, a city in Miami-Dade County.
“She didn’t have someone looking out for her,” he said.
Frost said that his 97-year-old grandmother still had stains on her arms, from the chemicals she was exposed to at the factories. He said he wonders what his grandmothers’ life would have been like if she had a union representing her and protecting her, and if she had been given access to earning a livable wage.
“I think as immigrants and immigrant families we hold these stories as a badge of honor and pride, and we should, but at the same time we also have to look at the exploitation and the fact that our ancestors and that our families shouldn’t have had to go through that in the first place,” he said.
Democratic U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla also made history as the first Latino elected from California. He had been tapped by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom to finish the term of now Vice President Kamala Harris.
Menendez, who will represent New Jersey’s 8th Congressional District, is the son of Democratic U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, who chairs the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
Several Republican Latinos also were elected to Congress: U.S. Reps.-elect George Santos of New York, Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, Juan Ciscomani of Arizona and Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon.
And many of those soon-to-be lawmakers have already made history.
Santos will be the first openly LGBTQ non-incumbent Republican elected to Congress. Luna will be Florida’s first Mexican American woman elected to Congress, and Ciscomani will be Arizona’s first Republican Latino elected to represent the state.
Chavez-DeRemer, who flipped a Democrat-held seat, is also the first Latina to serve Oregon in Congress.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 03, 2025 Contact: valeria@chcboldpac.com CHC BOLD PAC Endorses New Slate of Democrats in Key House Races to Flip the House in 2026 Randy Villegas in CA-22, Manny Rutinel in CO-08, and Robin Peguero in FL-27 Secure Key Endorsement WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, CHC BOLD PAC, the campaign arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, proudly announces its endorsement of Randy Villegas for California's 22nd Congressional District, Manny Rutinel for Colorado's 8th Congressional District, and Robin Peguero for Florida’s 27th Congressional District. All three candidates represent the future of Democratic leadership: leaders who put their communities first, are rooted in the working class, and have bold plans to stand up for working families. Randy Villegas, Candidate for California 22nd Congressional District “Randy brings the bold, people-first leadership that Washington desperately needs. Born and raised in California’s Central Valley, Randy Villegas understands firsthand the challenges facing working families. As a small business owner and community advocate, he has spent his career empowering families and creating real opportunities for them. He is exactly the kind of leader that the Central Valley can depend on,” said Chairwoman Linda Sánchez. “I’m grateful to have BOLD PAC’s endorsement as we continue to build this people-powered campaign that will ensure our community is fairly represented in Washington,” said Randy Villegas. “I know firsthand the power of education and how it can uplift a community, now I’m laser-focused on paying it forward for the next generation to ensure the Central Valley is somewhere everyone can prosper.” Randy Villegas is the only Latino running in CA-22, a Hispanic-majority district in California’s Central Valley (74% Hispanic). Born and raised in Kern, California, Randy has deep roots in the Valley. He is a small business owner, educator, and community organizer who is ready to make a change for his community. He is focused on ensuring that all families—regardless of their background—have a fair shot. Manny Rutinel, Candidate for Colorado’s 8th Congressional District “Manny has lived what working families endure—and he’s ready to take that fight to Washington. As the son of a single mother, Manny grew up filling out food stamp applications and working from a young age to help pay the bills. He is the type of leader we need—someone who is fearless and committed to supporting working families in Colorado,” said Chairwoman Linda Sánchez. “I am deeply honored and grateful to receive the endorsement of CHC BOLD PAC, which has paved the way for more Latino representation in Congress. Their support is a testament to how important this race is to flipping the House in 2026," said Manny Rutinel. “As a proud son of a single mother who immigrated to America with a dream of a better life, I have witnessed firsthand the sacrifices working families make to provide a better life for their children and loved ones. I’m proud and honored to stand alongside these Latino leaders who have fought for communities like Colorado’s 8th Congressional District and will continue that fight through our campaign.” Manny Rutinel is running in CO-08, a district that is nearly 40% Hispanic. He is committed to lifting up Colorado communities as an attorney and state legislator. Manny is ready to bring his experience to Congress, fighting for working families and ensuring every Coloradan has a voice in Washington. Robin Peguero, Candidate for Florida 27th Congressional District “BOLD PAC is enthusiastically endorsing Robin Peguero for Florida's 27th Congressional District. Robin represents the best of Miami — he’s a son of immigrants and a prosecutor who has dedicated his life to justice, fairness, and giving back to the community that raised him. He’s spent his career putting criminals and predators behind bars to make our streets safer. Robin will continue to fight for working families, protect his community, and deliver real results for South Florida,” said Chairwoman Linda Sánchez. “I’m proud to receive BOLD PAC’s endorsement. As a first-generation American, I know the struggles hard-working families face, like trying to decide between making the rent and seeing a doctor,” said Robin Peguero. “Everyone has a story to tell, and I’m going to fight every day to make sure Floridians have the chance to write theirs.” 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. These three candidates are key to CHC BOLD PAC’s 2026 battlefield strategy. Latino representation in Congress ensures policies are reflective and inclusive of the community. BOLD PAC is working to ensure candidates like Villegas, Rutinel, and Peguero have the support they need to win their elections. ### CHC BOLD PAC, the campaign arm of the 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: 03 de noviembre de 2025 Contacto: valeria@chcboldpac.com CHC BOLD PAC respalda a nuevos demócratas en contiendas clave para recuperar la mayoría en la Cámara de Representantes Randy Villegas en CA-22, Manny Rutinel en CO-08, y Robin Peguero en FL-27 consiguen un respaldo clave WASHINGTON, D.C. — Hoy, CHC BOLD PAC, el brazo político del Caucus Hispano del Congreso, se enorgullece de anunciar su respaldo a Randy Villegas, candidato al Distrito Congresional 22 de California; a Manny Rutinel, candidato al Distrito Congresional 8 de Colorado; y a Robin Peguero, candidato al Distrito Congresional 27 de Florida. Los tres candidatos representan el futuro del liderazgo demócrata: líderes que ponen a sus comunidades en primer lugar, que provienen de la clase trabajadora y que tienen planes audaces para defender a las familias trabajadoras. Randy Villegas, candidato al Distrito Congresional 22 de California “Randy aporta el liderazgo audaz y centrado en las personas que Washington necesita desesperadamente. Nacido y criado en el Valle Central de California, Randy Villegas comprende de primera mano los retos a los que se enfrentan las familias trabajadoras. Como dueño de una pequeña empresa y defensor de la comunidad, ha dedicado su carrera a empoderar a las familias y a crear oportunidades reales para ellas. Es exactamente el tipo de líder en el que el Valle Central puede confiar,” afirmó la presidenta Linda Sánchez. “Estoy agradecido por el respaldo de BOLD PAC mientras seguimos construyendo esta campaña impulsada por nuestra comunidad para garantizar que nuestra gente esté representada de manera justa en Washington,” afirmó Randy Villegas. “Conozco de primera mano el poder de la educación y cómo puede transformar una comunidad. Ahora estoy enfocado en retribuir a la próxima generación para asegurar que el Valle Central sea un lugar donde todos puedan salir adelante.” Randy Villegas es el único candidato latino en la contienda para CA-22, un distrito con mayoría hispana en el Valle Central de California (74%). Nacido y criado en Kern, California, Randy tiene profundas raíces en el Valle. Es dueño de una pequeña empresa, educador y organizador comunitario y está dispuesto a cambiar las cosas para su comunidad. Su objetivo es garantizar que todas las familias, independientemente de su origen, tengan las mismas oportunidades. Manny Rutinel, candidato al Distrito Congresional 8 de Colorado “Manny ha vivido lo que las familias trabajadoras enfrentan y está listo para llevar esa lucha a Washington. Como hijo de una madre soltera, Manny creció llenando aplicaciones para cupones de alimentos y trabajando desde muy joven para ayudar a pagar las cuentas. Es el tipo de líder que necesitamos: alguien valiente y comprometido con el apoyo a las familias trabajadoras de Colorado,” afirmó la presidenta Linda Sánchez. “Me siento profundamente honrado y agradecido de recibir el respaldo de CHC BOLD PAC, una organización que ha abierto el camino para lograr una mayor representación latina en el Congreso. Su apoyo demuestra lo crucial que es esta contienda para recuperar la mayoría en la Cámara en 2026,” afirmó Manny Rutinel. “Como hijo orgulloso de una madre soltera que emigró a este país con el sueño de una vida mejor, he sido testigo de los sacrificios que hacen las familias trabajadoras para ofrecerles a sus hijos y seres queridos un mejor futuro. Me llena de orgullo y honor unirme a estos líderes latinos que han luchado por comunidades como el 8.º Distrito Congresional de Colorado y que seguirán dando esa lucha a través de nuestra campaña.” Manny Rutinel se postula como candidato en el Distrito Congresional 8 de Colorado, donde casi el 40% de la población es hispana. Está comprometido con mejorar las comunidades de Colorado como abogado y legislador estatal. Manny está listo para aportar su experiencia al Congreso, luchando por las familias trabajadoras y asegurando que todos los habitantes de Colorado tengan voz en Washington. Robin Peguero, candidato al Distrito Congresional 27 de Florida “BOLD PAC apoya con entusiasmo a Robin Peguero para el 27.º distrito congresional de Florida. Robin representa lo mejor de Miami: es hijo de inmigrantes y un procurador que ha dedicado su vida a la justicia, a la equidad y a retribuir a la comunidad que lo vio crecer. Ha dedicado su carrera a poner tras las rejas a delincuentes y depredadores para que nuestras calles sean más seguras. Robin seguirá luchando por las familias trabajadoras, protegiendo a su comunidad y obteniendo resultados reales para el sur de Florida,” afirmó la presidenta Linda Sánchez. “Me enorgullece recibir el respaldo de BOLD PAC. Como estadounidense de primera generación, conozco las dificultades que enfrentan las familias trabajadoras, como tener que escoger entre pagar la renta o ir al médico,” afirmó Robin Peguero. “Todos tienen una historia que contar y voy a luchar cada día para asegurarme de que los floridanos tengan la oportunidad de escribir la suya.” Robin Peguero es un procurador y funcionario público estadounidense de primera generación que ha dedicado su carrera a mantener la seguridad de las comunidades encarcelando a delincuentes y depredadores. Se postula como candidato en el distrito 27 del sur de Florida, donde el 74 % de la población es hispana. Robin se compromete a garantizar que todas las familias del sur de Florida tengan la oportunidad de salir adelante, sin importar su origen. Estos tres candidatos son clave para la estrategia electoral de CHC BOLD PAC para 2026. La representación latina en el Congreso garantiza que las políticas reflejen e incluyan a la comunidad. BOLD PAC trabaja para asegurar que candidatos como Villegas, Rutinel y Peguero tengan el respaldo necesario para ganar sus elecciones. ###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 21, 2025 Contact: valeria@chcboldpac.com Denise Powell Leads NE-02 Fundraising, Surges Ahead of Primary Field in Bid to Flip Open Seat Grassroots-powered Democrat has raised nearly $750,000 to date—more than double her closest primary competitor WASHINGTON, DC – CHC BOLD PAC, the campaign arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, applauds Democrat Denise Powell’s fundraising performance in Nebraska’s open 2nd Congressional District. Powell has raised nearly $750,000 to date, outpacing every Democrat in the primary and more than doubling her closest competitor. Denise also has twice as much cash on hand as her closest competitor. With Don Bacon stepping down, NE-02 is the congressional district most likely to flip in the 2026 midterm elections. Now, Powell is proving she has the momentum, message, and movement needed to flip this seat blue. Her campaign is powered by Nebraskans who are fed up with rising health care costs and tired of the chaos MAGA Republicans have brought to Washington. Powell’s fundraising milestone cements her status as the Democratic frontrunner in NE-02 and adds to the national momentum building around her candidacy. With the general election now wide open, BOLD PAC is proud to support Denise Powell, who is ready to deliver real results for working families. ### CHC BOLD PAC, the campaign arm of the 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: 21 de octubre de 2025 Contacto: valeria@chcboldpac.com Denise Powell lidera la recaudación de fondos en NE-02 y toma la delantera rumbo a la primaria para recuperar este escaño clave La demócrata impulsada por las bases ha recaudado casi $750,000—más del doble que su rival más cercano en la contienda primaria WASHINGTON, DC – CHC BOLD PAC, el brazo político del Congressional Hispanic Caucus, celebra el sólido desempeño financiero de la demócrata Denise Powell en el segundo distrito congresional de Nebraska, actualmente sin titular. Con casi $750,000 recaudados hasta la fecha, Powell supera ampliamente a todos los contendientes demócratas en la primaria. Ha duplicado tanto la recaudación como el efectivo disponible de su oponente más cercano. Con la salida de Don Bacon, el distrito NE-02 es el más propenso a cambiar de partido en las elecciones de mitad de término de 2026. Ahora, Powell está demostrando que tiene el impulso, el mensaje y el respaldo necesarios para recuperar este escaño para los demócratas. Su campaña está impulsada por habitantes de Nebraska, hartos del aumento en los costos de servicios de salud y de la inestabilidad que los republicanos MAGA han traído a Washington. Este hito en recaudación consolida a Powell como la favorita demócrata en NE-02 y refuerza el impulso nacional detrás de su candidatura. Con una elección general ampliamente competitiva, BOLD PAC se enorgullece de respaldar a Denise Powell, quien está lista para entregar resultados reales a las familias trabajadoras. ### CHC BOLD PAC, el brazo político del Congressional Hispanic Caucus, fue fundado en 2001 para aumentar la representación latina en el Congreso. Desde su creación, BOLD PAC ha logrado más que duplicar el tamaño del Caucus Hispano del Congreso .
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 21, 2025 Contact: valeria@chcboldpac.com ICYMI: JoAnna Mendoza Leads Juan Ciscomani in New Poll—Days After Outraising Him With Skyrocketing Grassroots Support and a Lead in the Polls, Mendoza’s Momentum is Undeniable WASHINGTON, DC – A new poll from House Majority PAC shows CHC BOLD PAC-endorsed candidate JoAnna Mendoza continues to pull ahead of vulnerable Republican, Juan Ciscomani, in Arizona’s battleground 6th Congressional District. Mendoza leads 42% to 41% in the head-to-head matchup—momentum that comes on the heels of her strong Q3 fundraising, where she outraised Ciscomani and posted over $1.9 million in grassroots support since launching her campaign. Meanwhile, Ciscomani’s support is crumbling: the poll finds nearly half of voters disapprove of his performance in Congress. That’s no surprise. Ciscomani has backed extreme MAGA policies—from slashing health care and rubber-stamping Trump’s reckless tariff agenda, to protecting tax breaks for billionaires while working Arizonans fall further behind. JoAnna Mendoza—a retired Marine, daughter of farmworkers, and working mom—is channeling the frustration Arizonans feel into a people-powered campaign that’s building serious momentum to flip this seat blue in 2026. ### CHC BOLD PAC, the campaign arm of the 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: 21 de octubre de 2025 Contacto: valeria@chcboldpac.com ICYMI: JoAnna Mendoza supera a Juan Ciscomani en nueva encuesta—días después de superarlo en recaudación Con un respaldo de base en auge y una ventaja en las encuestas, el impulso de Mendoza es innegable WASHINGTON, DC – Una nueva encuesta de House Majority PAC muestra que JoAnna Mendoza , candidata respaldada por CHC BOLD PAC, continúa superando al republicano vulnerable Juan Ciscomani en el competitivo 6º distrito congresional de Arizona. Mendoza lidera el cara a cara 42% a 41%, un impulso que llega tras su sólido desempeño en recaudación del tercer trimestre, donde superó a Ciscomani y ha recaudado más de $1.9 millones en apoyo de base desde el lanzamiento de su campaña. Mientras tanto, el respaldo a Ciscomani se desmorona: la encuesta revela que casi la mitad de los votantes desaprueba su gestión en el Congreso. Y no es para menos. Ciscomani ha respaldado políticas extremas del movimiento MAGA—desde recortes a servicios de salud y apoyo ciego a la agenda imprudente de aranceles de Trump, hasta proteger recortes fiscales para multimillonarios mientras las familias trabajadoras de Arizona siguen quedando atrás. JoAnna Mendoza—veterana de la Marina, hija de trabajadores del campo y madre trabajadora—está canalizando la frustración que sienten los arizonenses en una campaña impulsada por el pueblo, con un impulso real para recuperar este escaño en 2026. ### CHC BOLD PAC, el brazo de campaña del Caucus Hispano, 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: La Opinión 10/15/2025 The path to winning Latino voters isn’t a mystery. It starts with investing in candidates. That’s what BOLD PAC has done for 24 years During Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the generations of Latinos and Latinas who’ve shaped this country, often without the power, recognition, or resources we deserve. Our communities are foundational to this country’s success, and our leadership should be too. At CHC BOLD PAC–the political arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus–we know what it takes to win Latino voters because we’ve done it. While other campaigns lose ground, BOLD candidates outperform because we invest in candidates who can win. We proudly backed Senator Ruben Gallego, who earned overwhelming Latino support in Arizona. We stood with candidates like Rep. Maxwell Frost, Rep. Sam Liccardo, and Rep. Andrea Salinas through incredibly tough primaries, often winning against the odds. That’s why we’re all in for the next generation of Latina leaders who are ready to flip key Republican-held seats: Marlene Galán-Woods (AZ-01), JoAnna Mendoza (AZ-06), Denise Powell (NE-02), and Carol Obando-Derstine (PA-07). But too often, Latino leaders are told to wait their turn, or their lived experience isn’t quite the right fit, or that someone else is better suited to run. Even in districts powered by Latino voters, we see decisions made far from the communities most impacted. It’s a pattern we know too well, and it holds our country and our community back. The path to winning Latino voters isn’t a mystery. It starts with investing in candidates. That’s what BOLD PAC has done for 24 years, and that’s why we win with our community. If we want to reach Latino voters, we can’t start by sidelining the very leaders the community trusts. Because if investments are not in line with priorities, we risk losing ground in the very battlegrounds we can’t afford to. Hispanic Members and candidates have shown what’s possible when Latino leadership is uplifted. As Hispanic Heritage Month ends, let’s not just commit to reflect the country we live in, but to reflect the country we’re building. Democrat Rep. Linda Sánchez represents District 38 in California, which has a 61.70% Hispanic population. Sánchez is Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus BOLD PAC.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 2, 2025 Contact: valeria@chcboldpac.com CHC BOLD PAC’s Candidates Lead Charge to Flip the House and End Republican Dysfunction Chairwoman Linda Sánchez and battleground Latina candidates slam Republican-led shutdown and lay out path to Democratic majority Washington, D.C. – Today, BOLD PAC Chairwoman Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38) hosted a virtual press conference alongside a slate of Latina congressional candidates to call out the Republican government shutdown and spotlight the growing leadership of Latinas in the fight to flip the House. Democrats only need to flip 3 seats to take back the House. Marlene Galán-Woods (AZ-01), JoAnna Mendoza (AZ-06), Denise Powell (NE-02), Carol Obando-Derstine (PA-07) represent some of the most competitive races in the country – all in districts with sizable Latino populations – and are key to delivering that victory. WATCH THE VIDEO REMARKS HERE With Republicans bringing the government to a halt—jeopardizing health care for millions of Americans and stopping pay for federal workers—BOLD PAC’s Latina candidates made it clear: they’re stepping up to clean up the chaos. As Republicans like David Schweikert (AZ-01) and Don Bacon (NE-02) head for the exits, Latina candidates are stepping in to flip their seats and deliver stability, compassion, and common-sense leadership for their communities. “With Republicans shutting down the government, it’s women—especially Latina women—who are standing up and saying: enough,” said Chairwoman Linda T. Sánchez . “While Republicans are walking away from the mess they created, these women are ready to lead, ready to govern, and ready to flip the House.” CHC BOLD PAC Endorsed Candidates included Marlene Galán-Woods, Candidate for AZ-01 JoAnna Mendoza, Candidate for AZ-06 Denise Powell, Candidate for NE-02 Carol Obando-Derstine, Candidate for PA-07 Each candidate shared how the shutdown is impacting local families—from school lunch programs and SNAP benefits to housing assistance and small business loans—and how their lived experiences as women and moms drive their leadership priorities. “My parents fled Cuba to escape Fidel Castro in the sixties. They fled to come to the United States of America to experience freedoms to come for opportunity, and those are the same freedoms that Trump and Republicans are threatening,” said Marlene Galán-Woods, candidate for AZ-01 . “Health care for children, for our veterans, and for seniors is all at risk because MAGA Republicans, once again, chose to shut down the government instead of protecting Americans' health care. It's shameful. So let's be clear, Republicans own this shutdown. I am so proud to be part of this powerhouse group of Latina candidates backed by BOLD PAC. Let's flip this seat. Let's win back the House of Representatives.” “As a Marine Corps drill instructor, I had the honor of making the next generation of Marines. I know what servant leadership looks like. The only thing scarier than a United States Marine is a mom, and I am both,” said JoAnna Mendoza, candidate for AZ-06 . “The oath I took to defend this country does not expire, and I will not sit back while spineless politicians play games with our lives. I will fight to protect health care, lower costs, and deliver for working families across southern Arizona. That's why I am answering the call to serve again.” “Washington Republicans have made one thing very clear: they’d rather shut down the government than make sure that the people here in my district and Americans all across the country can afford health care. This is completely reckless, and here in my state, that's almost 100,000 people who are going to lose their coverage or have their insurance premiums double,” said Denise Powell, candidate for NE-02. “I'm a fired-up mom that is running for Congress because our communities are really hurting right now, and they deserve better than this mess that Republicans have created for us in DC.” “Our families are already paying the price for this Republican shutdown. Monthly healthcare premiums are rising, and the average enrollee is seeing an increase in premium costs. But here’s the thing, I don't walk away from a challenge. I've cleaned up messes before, and I approach issues head-on,” said Carol Obando-Derstine, candidate for PA-07 . “When I get to Congress, I'll never forget who I'm there to serve. We only need to flip three seats to take back the House in 2026 with the support of CHC BOLD PAC and this powerful slate of Latina candidates. I'm ready to clean house and deliver real results for our district.” BOLD PAC will continue highlighting Latina and Latino leadership across battleground districts, with an aggressive bilingual press and digital strategy focused on cutting through MAGA disinformation and reaching the Latino voters who will decide control of the House in 2026. ###
Original Article: La Opinión 09/26/2025 La demócrata Adelita Grijalva resultó electa al Congreso para representar a Arizona. Grijalva fue la ganadora de la elección especial que se llevó a cabo el martes para cubrir el puesto que dejó vacante su padre en marzo pasado tras su fallecimiento por un cáncer y después de ocupar el cargo por más de dos décadas. Pero mientras la Cámara de Representantes se enfrenta a un impasse por el presupuesto federal y el posible cierre del gobierno, se está gestando una disputa política sobre cuándo exactamente prestará juramento Grijalva. Adelita Grijalva ganó con más del 68% de los votos , pero no es oficialmente miembro del Congreso hasta que preste juramento. Eso podría ocurrir el 7 de octubre, al día siguiente de que la Cámara vuelva a sesionar. Sin embargo, podría posponerse hasta el 14 de octubre o más tarde si el presidente de la Cámara, Mike Johnson, espera la certificación oficial de la votación del secretario de Estado de Arizona . Esperar podría dejar a Grijalva al margen , sin poder votar en algunos temas donde un voto podría marcar la diferencia. “Creo que quizás tenga que ver con que soy el firmante número 218 que impulsa la votación sobre la publicación de los archivos de Epstein. Y, bueno, no lo sé. Así que hay muchas preguntas. Planeo ir a Washington el lunes para una asamblea con otros demócratas. El líder Jeffries nos ha pedido que estemos allí, así que iré. Aunque todavía no tengo un cargo oficial allí, está muy claro que gané estas elecciones por casi 40 puntos”, dijo Grijalva a KGUN9 de Tucson, en una entrevista. Dado que los líderes republicanos de la Cámara han guardado silencio sobre el asunto , un comité demócrata está pidiendo al presidente de la Cámara de Representantes que no demore la juramentación de Grijalva. La presidenta de BOLD PAC, el brazo de campaña del Caucus Hispano, Linda Sánchez , emitió la siguiente declaración a La Opinión: “Los arizonenses del sur se expresaron con claridad al elegir a Adelita Grijalva por un margen abrumador. Cada día que pasa sin que Adelita ocupe un escaño en el Congreso es un día más para que sus electores se vean privados de voz en los temas más importantes, desde la reducción de costos hasta la protección de la atención médica. El presidente Johnson debe hacer su trabajo y otorgarle el escaño a la congresista electa Grijalva de inmediato. Adelita se ha ganado su lugar, y la gente del 7mo. Distrito de Arizona merece su representación ahora”.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 24, 2025 Contact: valeria@chcboldpac.com CHC BOLD PAC Endorses Rep. Sylvia Garcia for Re-election in Texas's 29th Congressional District Washington, D.C. – CHC BOLD PAC, the campaign arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, proudly announces its endorsement of Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)’s re-election in Houston, Texas. “BOLD PAC is proud to endorse Sylvia Garcia’s reelection in Houston, Texas,” said CHC BOLD PAC Chairwoman Linda Sánchez. “Republicans in Texas are attempting to put a stop to voters' choice in the upcoming midterm election by creating new maps that will be rigged in their favor. Sylvia has built her career fighting to protect working families not only in Houston, but across Texas. Being able to serve alongside her in Congress and see her work firsthand has been nothing but extraordinary. Sylvia has dedicated her life to protecting her community against House Republicans’ extremist agenda. ” Republicans are targeting the only Latino opportunity district in Harris County, which is home to over 2 million Latinos. That’s why this race is so critical, not just for the future of Latino representation in Texas, but for the broader fight to protect voting rights and fair representation for all communities of color. Rep. Sylvia Garcia, one of the first Latinas elected to represent Texas in Congress, has a long record of public service and fighting for Houston families. Throughout her career, she has championed economic opportunity, reproductive rights, and immigration reform–first as Houston’s city controller, later as a Harris County commissioner, and now as Congresswoman. CHC BOLD PAC stands with Rep. Sylvia Garcia in her re-election so that she can continue delivering for Texas families. ### CHC BOLD PAC, the campaign arm of the 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: 24 de septiembre de 2025 Contacto: valeria @chcboldpac.com CHC BOLD PAC Respalda la reelección de la Representante Sylvia García en el Distrito Congresional 29 de Texas Washington, D.C. – CHC BOLD PAC, el brazo político del Congressional Hispanic Caucus, está orgulloso de anunciar el respaldo a la reelección de la Congresista Sylvia García (TX-29) en Houston, Texas. “BOLD PAC está orgulloso de respaldar la reelección de Sylvia García en Houston, Texas,” afirmó Linda Sánchez, presidenta de CHC BOLD PAC. “Los republicanos de Texas intentan frenar la voluntad de los votantes en las elecciones de medio término al imponer mapas manipulados a su favor. Sylvia ha construido su carrera luchando para proteger a las familias trabajadoras, no solo en Houston, sino en todo Texas. Poder trabajar junto a ella en el Congreso y ver su labor de primera mano ha sido una experiencia extraordinaria. Sylvia ha dedicado su vida a proteger a su comunidad contra la agenda extremista de los republicanos de la Cámara de Representantes.” Los republicanos están apuntando al único distrito latino con oportunidad de representación en el condado de Harris, donde viven más de 2 millones de latinos. Por eso esta contienda es tan importante, no solo para el futuro de la representación latina en Texas, sino también para la lucha más amplia por proteger los derechos de voto y la representación justa de todas las comunidades de color. La representante Sylvia García, una de las primeras latinas elegidas para representar a Texas en el Congreso, tiene un largo historial de servicio público y de lucha por las familias de Houston. A lo largo de su carrera, ha defendido las oportunidades económicas, los derechos reproductivos y la reforma migratoria, primero como controladora de la ciudad de Houston, luego como comisionada del condado de Harris y ahora como Congresista. CHC BOLD PAC apoya a la representante Sylvia García en su reelección para que pueda seguir luchando para las familias de Texas. ### C HC BOLD PAC, el brazo de campaña del Caucus Hispano, 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: September 23, 2025 Contact: valeria@chcboldpac.com CHC BOLD PAC Congratulates Adelita Grijalva On Her Historic Election To Arizona's 7th Congressional District Grijalva Makes History as the First Latina to Represent Arizona in Congress Washington, D.C. - Tonight, CHC BOLD PAC – the campaign arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus – congratulates Adelita Grijalva on her election to Arizona's 7th Congressional District. CHC BOLD PAC Chairwoman Linda Sánchez issued the following statement on Adelita Grijalva’s victory: “BOLD PAC is thrilled to congratulate Adelita Grijalva on her historic victory as the first Latina to represent Arizona in Congress. Adelita will continue to fight for safe communities, affordable housing, and environmental protection for those in Southern Arizona,” said CHC BOLD PAC Chairwoman Linda Sánchez. “We are confident that Adelita’s leadership and her commitment to her community will make a lasting impact on Arizona families. “ Adelita is a lifelong public servant who has spent her career ensuring that people come together and address the big issues facing Southern Arizona. BOLD PAC celebrates and congratulates Adelita Grijalva on her win. ### CHC BOLD PAC, the campaign arm of the 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: 23 de septiembre de 2025 Contatco: press@chcboldpac.com CHC BOLD PAC felicita a Adelita Grijalva por su histórica elección al 7º Distrito Congresional de Arizona Grijalva hace historia como la primera latina en representar a Arizona en el Congreso Washington, D.C. - Esta noche, CHC BOLD PAC, el brazo político del Congressional Hispanic Caucus, felicita a Adelita Grijalva por su elección al 7º Distrito Congresional de Arizona. La presidenta de CHC BOLD PAC, Linda Sánchez, emitió la siguiente declaración sobre la victoria de Adelita Grijalva: “BOLD PAC está orgulloso de felicitar a Adelita Grijalva por su histórica victoria como la primera latina en representar a Arizona en el Congreso. Adelita seguirá luchando para comunidades seguras, viviendas a bajo costo y la protección del medio ambiente para los habitantes del sur de Arizona”, afirmó Linda Sánchez, presidenta de CHC BOLD PAC. “Estamos seguros de que el liderazgo de Adelita y su compromiso con su comunidad tendrán un impacto persistente en las familias de Arizona”. Adelita es una funcionaria pública de carrera que ha dedicado su carrera a garantizar que las personas se unan y aborden los grandes problemas a los que se enfrenta el sur de Arizona. BOLD PAC celebra y felicita a Adelita Grijalva por su victoria. ### CHC BOLD PAC, el brazo de campaña del Caucus Hispano, 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: The 19th 09/19/2025 TUCSON, ARIZONA — On a recent Saturday morning at Adelita Grijalva’s campaign headquarters, the mood was festive. Music blasted from speakers as volunteers — most of them clad in navy blue “All in for Adelita” shirts— ate treats from a local Mexican bakery in the parking lot and waited for their marching orders. The canvass kickoffs typically have a theme to rile up volunteers before they head out to the streets. This day, the rallying cry was around reproductive rights. Grijalva gave a speech to the small crowd, describing how her 18-year-old daughter, Adelina, briefly had fewer reproductive rights than her great-grandmother. She was referring to a window of time last year, when the state Supreme Court upheld a near total abortion ban from 1864, when Arizona was still a territory. In November, voters enshrined the right to an abortion in the state constitution. “That is something that we can’t go backwards on,” she told the small crowd. “We are going to have to fight for things that have already been fought for.” In a district where 52 percent of voters are Latinx, supporters see Grijalva as someone who not only understands the importance of defending reproductive rights, but also the rights of immigrants at a time when both are under threat. “Our rights are being stripped in every aspect of our lives, from the ICE raids, especially in this immigrant community, but even with abortion rights being rolled back,” said Jacqueline Ortiz, a volunteer with the campaign. “I think a lot of Democrats, especially young liberals, are a little bit frustrated with how our party has not taken an offensive position, and we’ve been on the defensive. And I know that she’s just going to hit the ground running in Congress to actually do something to fight against the immigration raids, for abortion rights.” Grijalva is expected to cruise to victory in the solidly blue 7th District in a Tuesday special election and become the first Latina ever elected to Congress from Arizona. She’s up against Republican candidate, Daniel Butierez, a political newcomer, who has mostly self-funded his campaign. It’s a significant milestone for representation in a state that has the fourth largest share of Latinx voters, and where Latinx voters’ growing political power has made them a decisive bloc ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Latinx voters make up a quarter of all eligible voters in the state. Their numbers have more than doubled since 2000, a rate that is expected to continue outpacing non-Latinos. Latinas, specifically, play a critical role for Democrats. Latinas register and turn out at higher rates than Latinx voters overall and they tend to favor Democrats by larger margins than Latino men. Latinas represent 1 in 5 women voters in Arizona. “For the longest time in Arizona, the people that did the work and were behind the scenes have been women, particularly in movement and in electoral politics,” said Alejandra Gomez, the executive director of Living United for Change, or LUCHA, a Democrat-aligned advocacy group that represents working-class Arizonans and works to expand Latinx political participation. “Through all of the work and years of women really sacrificing and being servant leaders, now we have the opportunity to have a woman lead.” Grijalva is running to fill the seat held by her father, former Rep. Raúl Grijalva, who died in March. He was known for his early activism in the Chicano rights movement, and later for his pro immigration stances in office, as well as his focus on environmental justice. Grijalva became the Democrats’ nominee after fending off a challenge from Deja Foxx, a 25-year-old reproductive rights activist who captured the attention of young progressives through her social media outreach. To run for office, Grijalva stepped down from her position on the Pima County Board of Supervisors, a job that she was hesitant to leave. She also worried about how the new role would impact her family. But lurking in the back of her mind she knew that it was something her dad always wanted to see. “I heard it from every friend of his on the Hill. ‘Your dad always said he was just waiting until you were ready.’” Victoria McGroary, executive director of BOLD PAC, the campaign arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, which backed Grijalva in the primary, said Latinx representation matters in this heavily Latinx border district. “There are so many amazing Latina leaders in the state, and we’re just so excited that Adelita finally gets to be the one to smash that glass ceiling and really make history for the state.” As Regina Romero, the first Latina mayor of Tucson put it at the canvass event: “It’s pretty incredible that we’re still celebrating the first ‘Latina’ here in our community. What that tells me is there are a lot of impediments to getting women involved in the political process, and especially [for] Latinas, and women of color.” U.S. congressional candidate Adelita Grijalva will be Arizona’s first Latina in Congress if she is elected. (Rebecca Noble/Getty Images) It’s also not lost on Grijalva what it would mean for her to be the first. “It’s very humbling. It is a huge honor and a huge responsibility. I want people to see me in these positions and say, ‘if she can do it, I can do it and push for change in their own communities,’” she said. After the kickoff, Grijalva returned to her office, where behind her were reminders of why she’s running in the first place. In a window nook, a small painting and a bobblehead of her father is on display, flanked by prayer candles and paper flowers. It’s still hard for Grijalva to talk about her father’s passing, and she tears up when asked how she’s doing. She’s running a campaign amid that grief because she feels a responsibility to protect his environmental legacy. At the same time, she made clear in an interview that she has her own priorities to spearhead if she’s elected to Congress — ones that are distinct from her father’s and speak to her identities as a woman and mother. “The issues that I feel I’m going to want to champion are different. I want universal preschool,” she said. “I want people to keep their hands off of reproductive health.” “Some of the fights will be the same,” she said. “[Indigenous] sovereignty is going to be very important, and environmental justice is going to be incredibly important.” McGroary said Grijalva will play a critical role messaging to Latinx voters in Arizona headed into next year’s midterm elections. In 2024, Donald Trump won the state by 5.5 percent, winning an absolute majority of the vote, which no presidential candidate had managed to do in the state since Mitt Romney in 2012. Arizona’s 7th District includes voters who live in the counties of Yuma and Santa Cruz, which shifted 14 and 17 points toward the GOP from 2020 to 2024, respectively, according to an analysis by The New York Times. A report from the analytics firm Catalist estimates support among Latinx voters was 54 percent for then-Vice President Kamala Harris, compared with 46 percent for Trump, a narrower gap between the Democratic and Republican candidate than in past presidential elections. The same report estimates that about 60 percent of Latinas backed Harris, a 17-point drop since 2016. As for Latino men, support was lower at 47 percent, a 14-point since 2016. In the same election, however, Arizona voters elected Democrat Ruben Gallego to the U.S. Senate. Grijalva has spent time touring the district, stopping in border communities like Yuma, where much of the country’s winter vegetables like lettuce is grown by migrant farmworkers, and Sells, on the Tohono O’odham Nation, a reservation that straddles the U.S.-Mexico border. She said voters are worried about the state of U.S. democracy, immigration, the economy, and cuts being made under Trump to Social Security and Medicare. In speaking to Arizonans on both sides of the aisle she’s hearing calls for immigration reform. It’s an issue she plans to work on while in Congress. She also hopes to elevate the stories of community members that can combat the narrative being pushed by the right depicting undocumented immigrants as criminals. “There is a woman being detained right now, who has three businesses here in Tucson that are threatened to be closed down, she hires 70 people,” she said. “It’s telling those individual stories of how this policy and lack of process is impacting all of our communities repeatedly.” She also hopes to hold a bipartisan hearing on the impact of border patrol on the Tohono O’odham Nation. Outside of immigration, she’s focused on the rising cost of living, which McGroary said is a top issue for Latinas. “Latino families are talking about costs, they are talking about job security,” McGroary said. “They are talking about, how do we make ends meet?” “Adelita is really focused on that, and I think that just speaks volumes to sort of the issues that Democrats should really be focused on,” McGroary added. Gomez said that Grijalva’s election and her focus on the “pain points” of a community she understands really well will help her reach out to voters who may not have supported Democrats this past election. “We’re living in a really complicated political terrain, and you need someone that believes that everyone deserves to be represented,” Gomez said. “That is Adelita.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 11, 2025 Contact: valeria@chcboldpac.com ICYMI: Denise Powell Calls Out Trump’s Power Grab on Redistricting WASHINGTON, DC - In case you missed it, as Trump and MAGA continue to push new schemes to redraw Nebraska’s congressional districts. Small business owner and Nebraska 2nd congressional candidate, Denise Powell , is voicing her thoughts on keeping a fair election and values for working families. Powell made it clear that attempting to change the rules in the middle of the game is an attack on honesty and representation that Nebraskans hold dear. WATCH: Denise Powell on KMTV “This is truly changing the rules in the middle of the game, and I think Nebraskans, we really value honesty and integrity, and this feels like none of that,” Powell said on KMTV. “This feels like politicians serving the will of one person.” Trump and Republicans have created proposals that would redraw congressional boundaries for the Republican benefit. Powell is standing up to the Trump plan and is speaking for the Nebraskans. BOLD PAC is proud to have endorsed Denise Powell for Nebraska’s second congressional district. In a district we can flip, Denise is the fighter we need to build a Nebraska where working families thrive. ### CHC BOLD PAC, the campaign arm of the 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: 11 de septiembre de 2025 Contacto: valeria@chcboldpac.com ICYMI: Denise Powell Denuncia La Toma de Poder de Trump en la Redistribución de Distritos del Congreso WASHINGTON, DC - Por si te lo perdiste, mientras Trump y MAGA siguen impulsando nuevos planes para rediseñar los distritos del 2nd Congreso de Nebraska. Dueña de una pequeña empresa y candidata al Congreso, Denise Powell , expresa su opinión sobre la importancia de mantener unas elecciones justas y los valores de las familias trabajadoras. Powell dejó claro que intentar cambiar las reglas en medio del juego es un ataque a la honestidad y la representación que los Nebraskans aprecian tanto. VER: Denise Powell on KMTV “Esto es realmente cambiando las reglas en medio del juego, y creo que como Nebraskans valoramos mucho la honestidad y la integridad, y esto no tiene nada que ver con eso,” dijo Powell en KMTV. “Parece que los políticos están sirviendo a los intereses de una sola persona”. Trump y los republicanos han elaborado propuestas que redefinieron los límites de los distritos electorales en beneficio de los Republicano. Powell se opone al plan de Trump y defiende los intereses de los habitantes de Nebraska. BOLD PAC es orgulloso de haber endorsado a Denise Powell para el segundo distrito de Nebraska. En un distrito que podemos cambiar, Denise es la luchadora que necesitamos para construir un Nebraska en el que prosperen las familias trabajadoras. ### CHC BOLD PAC, el brazo de campaña del Caucus Hispano, fue fundado en 2001 para aumentar la representación latina en el Congreso. Desde su fundación, BOLD PAC ha más que duplicado el tamaño del Caucus Hispano del Congreso.
