The report identifies challenges Afro Latina candidates face when running for office and provides an action plan to eradicate these obstacles to increase Afro-Latina representation in public office
Washington, D.C.—Today, Latino Victory Fund announced the release of a report titled “Afro Latinas Lead: A Blueprint for Action,”which is Phase 2 of the Afro Latinas Lead Initiative that aims to elect the first Afro Latina to Congress, build a pipeline of Afro Latina elected officials and elevate Afro Latina leaders across the country.
The Blueprint for Action outlines results from research conducted by Latino Victory Fund to identify the challenges Afro Latina candidates face when running for office—and positions a plan of action to eradicate these obstacles.
“The evidence is glaring: Afro Latinas face serious challenges when running for office that impede creating a government that reflects the Latino community,” said Sindy M. Benavides, Latino Victory Fund President & CEO. “Latino voters deserve to have candidates on the ballot who represent their communities, and the disproportionate obstacles Afro Latinas face make it difficult to get them on the ballot, much less win seats. There are countless talented, experienced, powerhouse Afro-Latinas who would make phenomenal candidates. This blueprint seeks to tackle these obstacles and provide resources to ensure more Afro Latinas get on the ballot and win. It’s time to level the playing field.”
Katharine Pichardo, Latino Victory Fund Executive Director said, “We spoke to over 70 Afro Latinas, partners and thought leaders in the Latino community, and some of the most glaring challenges were lack of an existing pipeline of Afro Latinas who want to run for office, including in Congress, the impact of money in politics and lack of representation in media. Identifying these challenges is the first step towards eradicating them, which is why the blueprint includes a solid plan of action that will help Latino Victory recruit, train and ultimately, help elect Afro Latinas up and down the ballot. Latino Victory is proud to work with partner organizations, allies and our Afro Latina and Latino cohort as we continue the fight for equal representation.”
The challenges include a lack of current and reliable research data on the Afro Latino population, racism and colorism, the gender gap, not enough Afro Latino candidates running for office, influence of money in politics, and the divestment to build Latino voting power, among others. Identifying and shining a light on these challenges are important steps that will help us tackle them and ensure Afro Latina candidates’ success.
Latino Victory will work to address these challenges and help Afro Latinas strengthen their political power with a plan that includes:
- Investing in research and data to develop real-time strategies and messages;
- Recruiting Afro Latina candidates for office at all levels of government;
- Training candidates and staff through Latino Victory’s Path to Victory program, with the goal of enlisting 50 Afro Latinas by June 2025;
- Supporting candidates through direct contributions, fundraising and IEs;
- Increasing Afro Latina candidates’ visibility through direct media exposure;
- Building a national support network of Afro Latina leaders; and
- Expanding Latino voter participation in key districts to help Afro Latinas win.
To read the full Afro Latinas Lead: A Blueprint for Action report, visit HERE.
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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 county board to the Senate to the White House.
