The midterm elections of 2022 were historic for Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx candidates. And National Hispanic Heritage Month provides a great opportunity to look more closely at this increasing voice in American politics. The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Educations Fund (NALEO), reports that Latino candidates ran in 44 states for top congressional, statewide executive and state legislative races. Though many of these states have a traditionally Latino population, states with emerging Latino communities in the Midwest, Pacific Northwest, New England and the Deep South were also represented. The increasing ideological diversity of the group is noteworthy too, as shown in their differing views on the role of government, racial and ethnic solidarity, and religious and family values.

The 118th Congress set a new record for the greatest number of Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx members. Six are serving in the U.S. Senate, including California’s Democratic Senator, Alex Padilla. In The House of Representatives, their numbers increased from 38 to 47, comprising 29 men and 18 women. One of the new faces in the House is California Democrat Robert Garcia, the first identifying LGBTQ+ Latino immigrant. Previously the mayor of Long Beach, Garcia was born in Peru and became a naturalized citizen at 21. And finally, in statewide executive elected offices, the number of Latinos increased from 18 to 21, another historic high.

Arturo Vargas, CEO of NALEO, reflected that,”Latino candidates on both sides of the aisle had historic success this cycle by speaking to the distinct issues affecting our nation’s diverse communities. Latinos continue to demonstrate their commitment to making our country stronger through public service in the top positions where critical decisions are made that affect the lives of all Americans.”

Additionally, there’s a non-elected Latina that has made our country stronger through public service, and critical decisions that affect our lives. She is Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Nominated by Barack Obama, and appointed to the Court in 2009, Sotomayor has inspired the Hispanic, Latino and Latinx communities to political and social involvement. In her words, “As you discover what strength you can draw from your community in this world from which it stands apart, look outward as well as inward. Build bridges instead of walls.” This philosophy is vibrantly expressed by the expanding Latino voice in American politics. 

The San Domenico school library has books for all ages written by Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor. Her message to build bridges instead of walls comes to life for LS students in her book, Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You. US students can read of her challenges and triumphs in, My Beloved World. This inspirational memoir is also available in a version for MS students. National Hispanic Heritage Month is a perfect time to read about this groundbreaking woman, who pledges “the Latina in me is an ember that blazes forever”.
                 
*For simplicity, Latino was often used to collectively refer to the Hispanic, Latino and Latinx communities.