Washington, D.C. – Latino Victory Fund today announced its support of Nevada to host the Democratic Party’s First in the Nation presidential primary. The Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee is debating changes to the early states calendar and planning to announce a decision next month.
Statement by Nathalie Rayes, Latino Victory Fund President and CEO:
“Few actions would have a bigger long-term impact on growing Latino political power and representation nationally than moving Nevada to be the first presidential primary. On the other hand, elevating an even less diverse state like New Hampshire to replace Iowa as the first nominating contest would be a major step backward and a blow to Latinos and other voters of color. It is critical that the Democratic Party not miss this opportunity to prioritize meaningful representation and winning elections over protecting outdated traditions, and Nevada is where candidates can show they are capable of building the broad and diverse coalition it takes to go the distance and win the White House. Democrats cannot win national elections without the country’s second-largest voting bloc, and having future presidential candidates hear from Latinos as early as possible in the nominating process going forward will put us in the strongest position for general election victories.”
Nevada is the only current early state with a major Latino population and the only diverse state pushing to be first on the presidential primary calendar. More than 400,000 Latinos are eligible to vote in Nevada, making up roughly 20 percent of the state’s electorate. Nevada has been the First in the West contest since the 2008 election cycle and is a highly competitive general election battleground.
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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.
