(Washington Insider Magazine)-Latina congressional candidates are making history in 2022.
Midterm elections are on the horizon, which means a host of Congressional candidates are set to fight for a coveted seat in Congress. However, these midterm elections are much different than years past.
Latina congressional candidates in more than four states compete against other candidates to represent themselves and give Latinas a voice for representation in Congress. Districts in Colorado, Illinois, Oregon, and Virginia have Latina women fighting to shake up Congress and flip many traditional seats.
Yadira Caraveo – Colorado
Yadira Caraveo (D-CO) is running for Congress in the 8th Congressional District of Colorado. She strongly supports reproductive rights, healthcare policy, and voting rights for women and people of color. If elected, Caraveo would be the first Latina in Congress in Colorado, representing the newly formed district that has the highest concentration of Hispanic and Latino residents at nearly 40 percent. Caraveo is competing against Republican senator Barbara Kirkmeyer.
Delia Ramirez – Illinois
Delia Ramirez (D-IL) represents Illinois 3rd Congressional District running against Republican candidate Justin Burau. A trailblazer in her field, Ramirez focuses on building affordable housing in Illinois and expanding healthcare coverage to disadvantaged communities in the inner cities of Illinois. She is also a supporter of women’s abortion rights and expanding public education for minorities.
Andrea Salinas – Oregon
Oregon’s 6th Congressional District race looks like it’s going to be tight. Andrea Salinas (D-OR) has a long history of public service, joining the state Legislature 5 years ago in 2017. Andrea’s political efforts focus on expanding healthcare coverage, enforcing paid family and medical leave, and ensuring accurate census records. Andrea Salinas faces Mike Erickson in the 6th Congressional District race.
Yesli Vega – Virginia
Yesli Vega (R-VA) hopes to become the first woman to be elected into Congress in the state of Virginia. She aims to beat Abigail Spanberger due to her appeal to the Latina community throughout Virginia. Vega has a background in law enforcement, where she advocated for gun control, raised property taxes for homeowners, and encouraged law enforcement to work with customs and immigration agencies.
