As ballots continue to be counted across California and election results are finalized, one trend is undeniable: California Republicans are making gains in the State Legislature, and among those gains is a historic rise in Latino representation within our party. For the first time, the Republican delegation will include its largest contingent of Latinos in both the State Assembly and Senate, signaling a shift that could reshape the political landscape of our state for years to come.
Recently, author Mike Madrid, was quoted in CalMatters, described the erosion of Latino support for Democrats as a “five-alarm fire” for their party. This observation is not simply about partisan politics but rather a reflection of a deeper discontent. Latinos are increasingly rejecting the exclusivity of a political establishment that no longer speaks to their values and aspirations. And while Republicans have significant work to do in engaging the Latino community, this election has revealed a profound truth: Latinos are demanding representation that is as diverse and multifaceted as they are.
As Latinas who are lifelong Republicans, we know firsthand what it feels like to be excluded from the political establishment. For years, the Democratic majority in Sacramento has tried to define who we are—and more importantly, who we should be—based on their narrow ideological framework. We’ve been told we are “less than” because we believe in policies like lower taxes, public safety, small business empowerment, and localized governance. These beliefs are not only valid but resonate with millions of Latinos across California.
Nowhere is this exclusion more evident than in the Latino Caucus, a body ostensibly created to represent the interests of all Latino legislators. Yet, because we don’t subscribe to the far-left orthodoxy of the Democratic establishment, we have been excluded from joining. This exclusivity is not just about legislators like us—it reflects how many California Latinos feel. They see a political system that claims to champion diversity while dismissing the diverse viewpoints within their own community.
Latino voters are often treated as a monolithic bloc by the parties and media, but nothing could be further from the truth. Our community is as diverse as California itself, shaped by experiences, income levels, cultural backgrounds, and personal values.
Every Latino family in California includes a spectrum of political beliefs, with Democrats, Republicans, and independents all sitting at the same dinner table. What unites them isn’t party loyalty but a shared desire for opportunity, safety, and a better future for their children.
This year, more than ever, Latino voters are pushing back against policies that have failed to deliver. They are questioning a political establishment that has demanded their loyalty but left them burdened with skyrocketing costs, unsafe communities, and a lack of opportunity. Increasingly, these voters are making decisions based on issues and candidates, rather than party labels. And they are finding that the Democratic Party has not had their best economic or social interests at heart.
The future of California politics—and indeed the future of our state—depends on embracing a spirit of inclusivity. For too long, Latinos have been told that they must adhere to a single political narrative to be considered part of the community. This exclusivity is not only unfair but counterproductive. It stifles meaningful debate and innovation, leaving voters without real representation.
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We believe that inclusivity means recognizing that Latinos can hold a range of views, from supporting free markets to advocating for strong but fair public safety policies. It means respecting the diversity within the Latino electorate and creating space for meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
This election marks the beginning of a new chapter for Latinos in California politics. Our voices, our values, and our communities will no longer be ignored or taken for granted. As members of the California Legislature, we are committed to representing not just Republicans but all Californians who share our desire for a more inclusive, prosperous, and secure future.
To our fellow Latinos, we say this: You have a seat at the table. You have the power to shape the policies that impact your families and your futures. And you have representatives in the Legislature who will fight for you, not based on party loyalty, but on a shared commitment to creating a better California for all.
The road ahead will not be easy, but it is a road worth traveling. Together, we can break down the barriers of exclusivity and build a state where every voice is heard, and every community is empowered. The future of California depends on it.
Suzette Martinez Valladares is the Senator-elect for California’s 23rd State Senate District. Kate Sanchez is an Assemblywoman representing California’s 71st Assembly District.