Latina state lawmakers fight for their communities this Hispanic Heritage Month
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Contact: Sonja Spoo, sonja@conwaystrategic.com
Latina state lawmakers fight for their communities this Hispanic Heritage Month
Resolutions recognize Hispanic Heritage Month and highlight the leadership of Hispanic communities in the face of increasing attacks.
WASHINGTON D.C.—This Hispanic Heritage Month, the State Innovation Exchange’s Reproductive Freedom Leadership Council (SiX RFLC) proudly honors the rich history, resilience, and remarkable leadership of Hispanic and Latino communities, especially Latina state lawmakers across the country.
As part of this celebration, SiX RFLC members are introducing resolutions and proclamations in state legislatures nationwide to formally recognize the cultural, economic, social, and political contributions of Hispanic and Latino people.
These efforts come at a critical time. Hispanic and Latino communities are facing ongoing and escalating attacks on their civil rights from the Trump administration and GOP-controlled Congress, including reproductive violence in immigration detention, abortion bans, insurance denials, and the persistent threat of ICE harassment when seeking essential services, including health care.
“In the face of harmful policies and civil rights rollbacks, Hispanic and Latino state lawmakers are fighting every day for equity and justice,” said Laura Hernández, Senior Policy Associate, Reproductive Rights at the State Innovation Exchange. “Latina lawmakers, in particular, continue to lead with courage and clarity—defending reproductive freedom, advocating for immigrant rights, and standing up for their communities.”
From Dolores Huerta’s groundbreaking labor rights advocacy to Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s historic appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court, Hispanic leaders have long shaped the story of this nation. A new generation of Hispanic lawmakers is continuing that legacy. This month, and all year long, we celebrate the more than 200 Latina state lawmakers who are making history and advocating for their communities.”
In 2025, 214 Latinas are serving in state legislatures, the most in history. As the largest and fastest-growing ethnic group in the United States, the Hispanic community is essential to building a stronger future for all.
“I’m proud to be a first-generation Mexican-American citizen of the U.S. and the youngest Latina serving in the General Assembly,” said Illinois state representative Barbara Hernandez. “One of my biggest motivations in my work is defending reproductive rights so all women have the freedom to make choices about their own bodies and access the care they deserve.”
“Marginalized communities, especially communities of color, face unique and disproportionate barriers to reproductive health care,” said Utah state representative Angela Romero, who also serves as the President of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators. “As the first Latina, Chicana, to lead my Caucus, I’ve always fought to uplift the voices of our communities. I remain committed to protecting the right to make personal, private health care decisions, free from political interference or systemic barriers.”
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The State Innovation Exchange’s Reproductive Freedom Leadership Council (SiX RFLC) is a network of 600+ state legislators committed to advancing reproductive health, rights, and justice policy.