Latina New Americans in State Politics: Representation, Progress, and Barriers
Research by New American Leaders and Latinas Represent
This factsheet highlights how Latina New Americans—women who identify as Latina and are either first-generation immigrants (born outside of the U.S.) or second-generation immigrants (born in the U.S. to at least one immigrant parent)—are transforming state politics across the country. Download the factsheet to explore the data and stories behind their growing impact.
Our findings show both historic progress and ongoing challenges for Latina New Americans running for state office.
Key Findings
- In 2024, a record 136 Latina New Americans ran in general elections for state legislatures—one of the largest showings for immigrant women candidates in U.S. history.
- Latina New Americans achieved a 72% general election win rate, placing them second only to Black New American women among all racial and ethnic groups of New American women tracked.
- Despite this competitiveness, Latina New Americans’ win rates lagged slightly behind non-New American Latinas, reflecting challenges such as smaller donor networks, limited access to party infrastructure, and systemic biases.
- States like New York, Rhode Island, Colorado and Massachusetts saw a 100% win rate for Latina New American candidates, while others, such as Florida and Washington, revealed steeper odds for these candidates.
- Contrary to broader New American trends, first-generation Latina New Americans slightly outperformed second-generation candidates at the ballot box, highlighting the resilience of immigrant women leaders.
- Latina New Americans trace their roots to dozens of countries; candidates with origins in the Dominican Republic (100% win rate) and Colombia (85.7% win rate) performed especially well.
Note: Latinas Represent and its fiscal sponsor, Moore Impact do not endorse or support any candidates to public office.
