WASHINGTON, D.C., – The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund today released its analysis assessing Latino gains in state legislatures nationwide. The full breakdown of Latinos serving in legislatures by state and party affiliation prior to and following Election 2016 is available here.
“The Latino turnout surge was real in Election 2016,” stated Arturo Vargas, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund executive director. “A strong showing from Latino voters in Arizona, California and Florida helped Latinos make historic gains in state upper and lower houses this year.”
Latinos serving at the state legislative level will reach historic heights following Election 2016, growing from a total of 307 to 321 Latinos in office. Notable changes in Latino representation at the state legislative level include:
Latinos in State Senates:
Latino state senators on the rise: At the state senate level, Latinos will grow by four, increasing from 73 to 77.
Both parties achieved gains: Democrats and Republicans both added two Latino state senators.
Five states saw increases: Arizona had the largest increase of all states, with a net gain of three Latino state senators this year. Other states with gains include Florida (1), Illinois (1), Nebraska (1) and West Virginia (1).
Three states had declines: Nevada, New Mexico and Wyoming each had a loss of one Latino state senator.
Latinos in State Lower Houses:
Number of Latino state representatives expands: In the lower houses, Latino representation will increase by a net gain of 10, growing from 234 to 244.
Party composition has shifted: Latino democrats vying for state lower house seats had more success than Republicans on Election Night, gaining 19 seats nationwide. Republicans had a net loss of nine seats, with the new party breakdown for state representatives now at 194 for Democrats and 50 for Republicans.
Gains achieved in both traditional and non-traditional population states: California had the highest increase in Election 2016, gaining four Latino representatives this year. Other states with net gains include Arizona (2), Colorado (2), Florida (2), Texas (2), Georgia (1), Oklahoma (1), Rhode Island (1) and West Virginia (1).
Losses spread out across five states: Kansas had the biggest decline of Latinos in state lower houses, decreasing by two. Other states with losses include Alaska (1), Illinois (1), New Mexico (1) and New York (1).
Vargas went on to say, “Latino candidates successfully ran for state legislative office in 33 states, winning bids in areas with both Latino population centers and without. There is no such thing as a Latino or non-Latino designated district anymore, with Latinos once again demonstrating the ability and expertise needed to build support from a broad coalition of Americans in Election 2016.”
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About NALEO Educational Fund
NALEO Educational Fund is the nation’s leading non-partisan, non-profit organization that facilitates the full participation of Latinos in the American political process, from citizenship to public service.