Latina Candidate Poised To Make History
WASHINGTON--With two weeks before the pivotal midterm elections, the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund held an in-depth discussion and analysis at the National Press Club focusing on the anticipated impact Latino voters and Latino candidates will have on Election Day. The NALEO Educational Fund projects 6.5 million Latinos will make their voices heard this November, an increase of nearly one million voters from the 2006 midterm elections. Latinos are achieving new milestones in their efforts to attain full representation at the federal and state level. In races for the U.S. House of Representatives, the number of Latinos in Congress could increase by as many as three: In the U.S. Senate, one of the nation’s most closely watched contests includes a Latino candidate: In statewide races, Latinos are running in several of the most competitive races in the country. Latino candidates running for state Senate and state Houses nationwide are expected to make gains; nine seats in the state upper chambers (from 65 to 74) and five in the state lower chambers (from 179 to 184). Latinos are running for top positions in 41 states throughout the nation – which shows political progress in both the traditional Latino population centers, and in regions with emerging Latino communities. In this year’s election -- both as candidates and as voters -- Latinos are poised to play a key role in shaping the nation’s political landscape. About NALEO Educational Fund The 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.
