Washington, DC—Latino Victory Fund is proud to welcome Tom Steyer as our newest co-chair. Mr. Steyer will join LVF’s current co-chairs: Rep. Joaquín Castro, New York City Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, and former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Mr. Steyer is appointing Sky Gallegos, Executive Vice President, Political Strategy for NextGen Climate, as his acting representative for Latino Victory Fund. Tom Steyer is the President of NextGen Climate, an environmental advocacy organization that works politically to prevent climate change disaster and promote prosperity for all Americans
Latinos make up 17% of the population, but only one percent of all elected officials. The Latino Victory Fund aggressively supports candidates that reflect Latino values – including immigration reform, quality education, good jobs and a higher minimum wage, a clean environment, and ultimately, opportunity. The Latino Victory Fund also aggressively fights back against anti-Latino rhetoric and candidates who don’t reflect our community’s values.
Cristóbal J. Alex, President of Latino Victory Fund, said, “We are elated to welcome Tom Steyer as a Co-Chair of Latino Victory Fund. In Tom, Latino Victory has found a stalwart leader and advocate who has dedicated his impressive career to improving the quality of lives of our Latino communities in California and throughout the nation. In addition to his work in environmental advocacy, Tom has championed initiatives to provide economic and educational opportunities for our families. We could not be happier to have Tom’s expertise and vision to help chart Latino Victory’s pathway in 2016 and beyond.”
Tom Steyer, President of NextGen Climate, said, “The Latino community has a powerful history of standing up for climate action, and tying that work directly to the broader, human issues affecting families across this country,” said NextGen Climate President Tom Steyer, “Creating the political will for truly progressive policies requires a diverse coalition that includes Latino business, labor, and working families. I am proud to join the Latino Victory Fund to stand up for the inclusive change that will bring justice to all Americans.”
Sky Gallegos, Political Director of NextGen Climate, said, “I’m excited to be working together with the Latino Victory Fund on issues that disproportionately impact the Latino community, like climate change. From the severe drought in California, to worsening air quality in my home state of Colorado, the effects of climate change on our community are clear, and it’s time to make our voices heard. We have a tremendous opportunity to work together to turn this problem into an American success story by building a clean energy economy that will not only improve our environment, but will also create better paying jobs and a more prosperous future for our kids.”
Mr. Steyer and Latino Victory’s new partnership comes at a time when the Latino community is flexing its muscle in the political landscape and demonstrating a resounding concern with climate change, the environment and its effects on their families’ well-being. A recent poll shows that climate change, the environment and conservation polled significantly high among issues of concern for Latino registered voters. Latino Victory will work alongside Mr. Steyer and NextGen Climate to ensure that we elect Latinos who support climate change action and building a clean energy economy that will benefit our Latino communities throughout the nation.
