Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month!
I always enjoy this month because it reminds us that there is no singular identity that defines the American experience. We all start at different points and walk different paths, but we’re all walking toward the same dream. Similarly, there is no singular identity that defines the Latino community. However, we’re all linked by the same hope for a better future -- not just for ourselves, but for our families and neighbors as well.
That brings me to the other reason that this month excites me so much: it focuses on the future. Hispanic and Latino voters have driven turnout in three of the fastest growing states in the country: Arizona, Nevada, and Texas. Over 60 percent of Latinos are under the age of 35. The future of this country is closely tied to the Latino community.
Latino voters are a powerful force in our democracy, and Democrats have an incredible story to tell about the results we’ve been able to deliver for the Latino community because of their support. Democrats will continue our intensive work to earn the votes of Latino and Hispanic communities this month and every month beyond. Through the launch of the DNC’s Latino Signature Program, Adelante, we have consistently invested in reaching out to Latinos in Spanish across the country through phone calls, text messages, and community events that meet voters exactly where they are. We are not taking anything for granted, and we will continue to highlight how the leadership of President Biden and Democrats is delivering for Latino families.
That’s why the DNC has dedicated over half a million dollars in paid media to Hispanic outreach this month alone. We will be running ads on Spanish-language radio stations and Spanish-language newspapers as well as digital ads in both English and Spanish. All of this is in addition to the more than seven figures we have invested in Spanish-language radio and print in a dozen states.
We have also partnered with sister committees and state parties to invest in Latino coalition-building and organizing in targeted coordinated campaigns across the country. Additionally, we hosted a Campaign Readiness Project bootcamp focused around recruiting, training, and placing diverse, local staff in battleground states. This effort helped increase bilingual staff on the ground and put particular focus on recruiting for bilingual communications, coalitions, and organizing staff to help build the pipeline for both 2022 and 2024.
In short, Democrats are working hard for you. We’re working to serve everyone in this country -- not just the people who voted for us. We are doing everything we can to unite while Republicans continue to actively divide. When they’re not playing callous political games with the lives of immigrants, they’re pushing for policies no one wants like a national abortion ban. They’re threatening to take away our Social Security and Medicare. They’re trying to make it harder for us to vote. They’re even threatening the survival of the planet. All of this so that they can divide us and hold onto power. They have no interest in serving even the people who elected them. Republicans in office just serve their own personal interests.
So as you celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month and think about the future of this country, it’s time to think about Election Day. We’ve been doing the legwork since January 2021. The special elections and primaries were all dress rehearsals, and the main event is next. We know who our candidates are. We know what they need. They need you.
As always, you have my deepest gratitude for all that you have done for us so far. November is right around the corner.
Jaime
Jaime Harrison
Chair
Democratic National Committee
On the Ground
For the first time since 1964, the state of Washington will not elect a Republican secretary of state. The efforts of the Washington State Democratic Party blocked Republicans from advancing a candidate through the top two format primary. Democrat incumbent Steve Hobbs was appointed to the position last November, and he’s running to complete the term against an independent.
A successful campaign for state treasurer would make Erick Russell, former Vice Chair of the Connecticut Democratic Party, the country’s first openly gay Black person elected to statewide office. An attorney specializing in public financing, Erick pledged to invest Connecticut’s nearly $45 billion in pension assets to expand economic opportunities for working families.
Becca Balint is vying to be the first woman to represent Vermont in the U.S. Congress. Her victory would mean that every U.S. state has finally sent a woman to Congress. She has already made history as the first woman and president pro tempore of the Vermont Senate.
The ASDC had a successful third quarter membership meeting on September 7. About 70% of the ASDC membership was in attendance, and programming included speakers from Everytown for Gun Safety, League of Conservation Voters, NARAL, Lake Research Partners, and several departments at the DNC.
Folks You Should Know
Gabriela Cristobal, Women's Coalition Director
Gabriela was previously the Director of Programs & Strategic Engagement at United State of Women, a nonprofit born out of the Obama administration's White House Council on Women and Girls. During her time at USOW, she led their training and volunteer programs and partnerships and developed issue advocacy campaigns on topics like the criminalization of Black girls and student loan debt. She has also served on the UN Foundation's Global Health Advocacy Team, where she trained and mobilized grassroots organizers across the country, including at the United Nations. Gabriela mentors through the Mercile J. Lee Scholarship Program and as a member of Girls Inc. Next Generation Leadership Committee.
Kraynal Alfred, Native Coalitions Director
Kraynal, a Navajo Nation Citizen, is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water) clan born for Tó’áhání (Near the Water) clan. In pursuing her passion for tribal outreach and political engagement, Kraynal was a student in the Native American Political Leadership Program (NAPLP) at The George Washington University where she returned to develop the INSPIRE Pre-College Program for Native high school students. During the most recent two DNC Conventions, Kraynal served as a volunteer on the DNC Media Logistics Team. Over the course of her career, Kraynal also has worked for the Navajo Nation, the National Congress of American Indians, the National Indian Health Board, the Office of Public Affairs for Indian Affairs, and, most recently, as the Tribal Liaison for the Universal Service Administrative Company.
