Closing the Gap: A Path Towards More Latina Representation in Politics

Political representation is more than just a concept in a nation as diverse as the United States; it is a fundamental pillar of democracy and one that is still under construction. Across the country, communities of color are grossly underrepresented in elected offices, and that is especially true for Latinas. 

 

Despite being about 9.3% of the population, Latinas are less than 3% of officeholders elected to statewide executive offices, Congress, and state legislatures. Currently, there is only one Latina serving in the U.S. Senate and just three Latina mayors in the 100 most populous U.S. cities. These numbers are far from proportional, and they fail to capture the wealth of talent, knowledge, and wisdom Latinas bring to the table.

 

Why are Latinas underrepresented in politics?

The answer is rooted in historical, cultural, and systemic factors. Latinas, like many other marginalized groups, face unique challenges when considering a career in politics. Gender bias, racial prejudice, and socioeconomic disparities all play a role in limiting their political ambitions. 

 

Yet, while there are barriers to entering politics, we know that success is possible and that we, as a community, can have the power to elect more Latinas and create a healthier democracy that represents us.

 

The importance of Latinas holding political office cannot be overstated. Political representation matters because it ensures that the concerns and experiences of Latinas and our communities are heard and acted upon in the corridors of power. It inspires younger generations to aspire to leadership roles, showing them that they too can shatter glass ceilings. It diversifies the perspectives brought to the policymaking process, leading to more well-rounded and effective solutions for our nation’s challenges.

 

We should take inspiration from the successes of Latinas like U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and mayors like Paulette M. Guajardo in Corpus Christi, Regina Romero in Tucson, and Mary Casillas Salas in Chula Vista. These leaders have already shown what is possible when Latinas are given the opportunity to serve. Imagine what could be achieved if more Latinas joined their ranks.

 

How can we get more Latinas elected?

It is crucial that our communities support Latinas candidates and those who are just now thinking about running for office. This support comes in many forms. It starts with encouraging our hijas (daughters), primas (cousins), and comadres (friends) to pursue public office. It means challenging outdated gender and cultural stereotypes that may discourage them from taking the leap into politics in the first place.

 

It means donating to their campaigns and volunteering our time to help them connect with voters. And it means pointing them in the direction of organizations, like Latinas Represent, that offer resources, training programs, and mentorship opportunities for Latinas who are thinking about running for office. 

 

By doing all of this and more, we can help Latinas overcome the barriers they face and ensure they have a fighting chance in the political arena.

 

Nuestro Poder (Our Power)

It is time for the Latinx community to recognize that our voices and our votes are powerful. We have the power to transform communities and our democracy through the candidates we support, the campaigns we champion, and the voices we uplift. By actively supporting more Latinas running for office and the organizations that support them, we can create a more inclusive and equitable political landscape where our communities’ talents are fully realized.

 

The path to progress is clear. We must do our part to break down barriers that have limited Latinas’ representation in politics, and we must do so with unwavering determination. When we stand together, when we advocate for and support Latinas in their political aspirations, we not only help them succeed, but we also empower our community and the entire nation to thrive. It’s time we close the gap of Latinas in elected office–the future of our democracy depends on it.