This year, for Hispanic Heritage month, the DPVC would like to honor famous Latinas in the democratic party who have been pioneers in politics and inspiration for generations of Hispanic women and girls now and those to come. Recognizing the accomplishments made by so many Democratic Hispanic women is crucial and especially important during Hispanic Heritage Month. It is equally important to recognize that the representation of Latinos across local, state, and federal combined is 1.2% and that there is still a lot of work to be done.
Soledad Chacón
Soledad Chacón was the first woman to be elected Secretary of State of New Mexico and the first Hispanic woman to be elected to a statewide office. Just two years after women were given the right to vote through the 19th amendment, Chacón was appointed to her leadership position. Between June and July of 1924, Governor Hinkle left the state to attend the Democratic National Convention and for two weeks Chacón was acting governor. Upon taking office, Chacón told reporters “I am anticipating no serious problems during Governor Hinkle’s absence, but should any occur I don’t believe I shall have any difficulty in handling them.” Chacón was also later elected to the New Mexico State House of Representatives.
Aida Álvarez
Fast forward to 1997, and Aida Álvarez becomes the first Hispanic woman to serve as a presidential cabinet member under Bill Clinton. She was an avid Democrat and was the spokeswoman for John Kerry’s presidential campaign.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor
In 2009, Sonia Sotomayor became the first Hispanic and first Latina to serve on the Supreme Court. Sotomayor has prided herself on her dissenting opinions on issues concerning race, gender, and sexuality, among others. She has advocated for Hispanics and serves as a striking role model to Latinas interested in law everywhere.
“I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life.”
Justice Sonia Sotomayor
Catherine Cortez Masto
Catherine Cortez Masto is a senior U.S. Senator for Nevada and is the first woman and first Latina to be elected to an upper chamber position in Nevada. Championing such causes as renewable energy and reproductive rights, Cortez Masto was just narrowly reelected last year in 2022.
“Diversity is so important for me, particularly in the United States Senate, and it’s been important to every job that I’ve held. Whether you’re in government or the private sector, we should be just as diverse as the community that we represent.”
Catherine Cortez Masto
