FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 1, 2023
PHOENIX – The Arizona Latino Legislative Caucus has elected Representative Lydia Hernandez and Senator Anna Hernandez, both of Phoenix, as Co-Chairs for the 56th Legislature. Arizona is home to 2.2 million Latinos, and the new leadership reflects the growing and diverse population that they serve. Representative Hernandez will chair the Caucus in 2023, and Senator Hernandez will serve as 2024 chair.
Additionally, Representative Lorena Austin of Mesa was elected Caucus Secretary and Representative Mariana Sandoval of Goodyear was elected Caucus Treasurer.
"I am looking forward working with our caucus members to further our vision and to help elevate the level of conversation within our Latino Legislative Leadership Statewide," said Co-Chair Lydia Hernandez. "With the growing numbers, not only within the Latino caucus but nationwide, we have positioned ourselves to effectively address the issues that impact our communities.
Co-Chair Anna Hernandez added, “I am looking forward to working with our entire Latino Caucus to continue building on the priorities that are important to communities.”
"I am beyond humbled to have been elected as Secretary for the Arizona Legislative Latino Caucus," said Austin. "I look forward to honoring the legacies of those who carved a pathway for myself and my colleagues to bring our community’s most pressing, intersectional issues to the forefront of Arizona’s priorities. ¡Adelante, Siempre Adelante!"
“Latinos make up one third of Arizona’s population, it’s crucial that our communities’ priorities are front and center of the conversation and we will ensure that they are,” Sandoval said.
The bipartisan Arizona Latino Legislative Caucus has 32 members from both the state House and Senate. Members hold strategic leadership positions and promote legislation and policies that directly affect Latinos in Arizona. The caucus also encourages Latinos to engage in the political process through public policy and community events.
