The Latino senator
Last week, a significant group of Hispanic leaders wrote Gov. Gavin Newsom about the potential vacancy in the U.S. Senate created if Sen. Kamala Harris becomes vice president after the November elections.
Hundreds of small-business owners, students, philanthropists and activists — including some from Imperial Valley — signed a petition that was delivered to Gov. Newsom regarding who will be appointed to replace Harris if she and Joe Biden win the election.
Those who signed the letter emphasized the importance of recognizing the state’s Latino community by appointing a Hispanic to the job -- the first ever to represent the Golden State in the upper chamber of the nation’s legislature.
“While we understand that the Senate seat must first open, this is the moment to begin considering Latino leaders who are ready to fill this critical seat for our state’s representation,” the letter reads. “This is also your timely opportunity to elevate the Latino community in one of our country’s most important political institutions.”
In California’s 150-year history, no Latino has represented the state in the U.S. Senate. Other states have paved the way in this regard — Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, Bob Menendez of New Jersey, Ted Cruz of Texas and Marco Rubio of Florida.
The petitioners highlight several facts in making their case for a Latino senator: Hispanics are 40 percent of the population, make up more than half of the state’s K-12 students, are the second largest voting bloc and contribute more than $54 billion into California’s economy.
“And yet, our voice remains missing from the highest levels of our government,” the writers note. “For a community that has long been vital to California’s civic and economic life, now is the time to use your executive authority to build a more reflective democracy in California and our country.”
Economically, Latino small businesses represent nearly a quarter of all businesses and are the fastest growing businesses in California with 43.9 percent growth between 2007 and 2012. Also, California Latinos make up the largest number of entrepreneurs in the country (583,167) generating $12.9 billion in earnings and helping make their state the world’s fifth largest economy.
“This is why it is time to put Latino leaders in positions of influence who know the challenges and aspirations of our community,” the writers said. “It is up to states like California to do their part to ensure that we are building more diverse and inclusive institutions reflective of our society.”
Although no names were mentioned or suggested for the appointment, Latinos have started to bring some to the table. Some like former Congressman and current state Attorney General Xavier Becerra for the job, while others said California Secretary of State Alex Padilla would be the right choice.
Of course, these are not the only politicians who could fulfill the vacancy with honor and success. In fact, California’s congressional delegation is full of representatives who could easily make the leap and work for legislation that benefits their constituents.
However, for me and many others the right and correct option is former Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez. In case you don’t remember, then-Rep. Sanchez unsuccessfully ran for the Senate. Unfortunately for Latinos, the lawmaker had in front of her a strong candidate who had the support of numerous Democrats and independents.
In the end, Sanchez badly lost the race, winning only in four of the 58 California counties — Fresno, Glenn, Madera and Imperial. Here, Sanchez defeated Harris by the widest margin (67.4 percent vs. 32.6 percent).
Nevertheless, I do not expect Newsom to appoint Sanchez to the job even though that would be the politically correct decision.