The organization is supporting Rafael Salamanca Jr., Andrea Gordillo, and Eric Gonzalez in continued fight for equitable representation and community-centered leadership.
Washington, DC – Latino Victory Fund proudly announces its endorsement of three powerhouse Latino leaders in New York City: Rafael Salamanca Jr. for Bronx Borough President, Andrea Gordillo for New York City Council District 2, and Eric Gonzalez for re-election as Brooklyn District Attorney. At a time when Latino communities across New York face rising economic pressures, housing insecurity, and calls for systemic reform, electing bold and proven leaders at the local level is critical to achieving progress and protecting our collective future.
“New York City deserves leaders who reflect our values, our resilience, and our communities,” said Katharine Pichardo-Erskine, President & CEO of Latino Victory Fund. “Rafael Salamanca Jr., Andrea Gordillo, and Eric Gonzalez embody public service. Each brings vision, grit, and an unshakable commitment to justice, equity, and opportunity. Latino Victory Fund is proud to endorse them—and we urge voters across the five boroughs to turn out and back these candidates who will deliver real results.”
Rafael Salamanca Jr.: Fighting for Affordability, Safety, and Opportunity in the Bronx
A lifelong Bronx resident and son of Puerto Rican parents, Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr. has been a transformative force in local government. Representing the South Bronx since 2016 and serving as Chair of the City Council’s powerful Land Use Committee, he has approved over 10,000 units of 100% affordable housing, championed $400 million in capital investment, and demanded job creation policies that benefit local residents.
“Rafael Salamanca has always put the Bronx first. His leadership has delivered real, lasting change, from housing to jobs to safety, and his deep roots in the community make him a natural choice to lead the borough into the future,” said Pichardo-Erskine.
As Bronx Borough President, Salamanca is committed to pragmatic governance that tackles the borough’s biggest challenges: affordability, public safety, and economic revitalization. His campaign is centered on lifting up working-class families, advancing equitable development, and ensuring that the Bronx continues to be a place where people of all backgrounds can thrive.
“I’m running to fight for every family that calls the Bronx home,” said Salamanca. “This borough raised me. It’s given me everything, and I’m ready to give it my all in return.”
Andrea Gordillo: Building a Livable, Just, and Resilient East Side
Andrea Gordillo, a proud daughter of Peruvian immigrants and long-time Lower East Side resident, brings a rare combination of cultural leadership and grassroots organizing to her run for City Council District 2. A trained social policy advocate, she has spent the last decade leading community-driven cultural organizations like The Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural Center, Loisaida Inc., and the Public Theater.
“Andrea Gordillo has spent her life advocating for dignity, dignified housing, dignified work, and dignified communities. Her lived experience, bold leadership, and commitment to climate justice and affordability make her the right leader for District 2,” said Pichardo-Erskine.
Gordillo currently serves as Chairperson of Manhattan Community Board 3, where she has prioritized climate resiliency, tenant protections, and cultural equity. The only Latina in the race and a graduate of Latino Victory’s Path to Victory training, Gordillo is ready to bring her values and her community into City Hall.
“As the daughter of Peruvian immigrants and a proud Latina, I’m humbled to be one of the first candidates the Latino Victory Fund is endorsing in 2025. My district has benefitted from Latina leadership for decades, and I am ready to continue the legacy of the Latinas who came before me, from Councilmembers to Congressmembers to Community members. Our future depends on leaders who are ready to bridge the gap between the New York of the past and the New New York – someone who will focus on making sure working New Yorkers can still afford to live and thrive in Manhattan; who will protect our communities from the realities of climate change; and who will make sure New York stands by its values in defense of attacks on our neighbors by the Trump administration. I’m ready to be that leader for every New Yorker.”
Eric Gonzalez: Reforming Justice, Restoring Trust
Eric Gonzalez made history as the first Latino District Attorney in New York State. Since taking office in Brooklyn, he’s reshaped what criminal justice looks like in one of the country’s largest jurisdictions. A Brooklyn native, Gonzalez has led with fairness, compassion, and a commitment to reform, reducing violent crime while pioneering programs that give people second chances.
“Eric Gonzalez is what justice looks like. He’s turned one of the nation’s biggest DA offices into a national model for progressive reform, without sacrificing public safety,” said Pichardo-Erskine.
Under Gonzalez’s leadership, Brooklyn saw record crime reductions post-pandemic thanks to community-based anti-violence strategies and efforts to target the root causes of crime. From conviction reviews to programs addressing substance abuse, Gonzalez has ensured that the justice system works for, not against, the communities it serves.
“I grew up in Brooklyn, and I’ve spent my career fighting for fairness in a system that hasn’t always lived up to its promise,” said Gonzalez. “As DA, I’ve shown that we can protect public safety and deliver justice at the same time, and I’m ready to keep doing that for the people of Brooklyn.”
Latino Victory’s Call to Action
With over 2.5 million Latinos in New York City, nearly one-third of the population, the power of the Latino electorate has never been greater. Latino Victory Fund is committed to ensuring that this power is matched by political representation and real results. Local, strategic, and deeply impactful races are part of a broader movement to build a government that reflects the people it serves.
“The future of New York runs through Latino leadership. Salamanca, Gordillo, and Gonzalez are ready to lead with vision, values, and unmatched commitment,” said Pichardo-Erskine. “Now it’s our turn to organize, to show up, and to vote.”
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The Latino Victory Fund is a progressive political action committee with the mission of growing Latino political power by increasing Latino representation at every level of government – from the school board to the Senate to the White House.
