GOP legislators are barred from joining the California Latino Legislative Caucus — and that includes Kate Sanchez, a Republican recently elected to represent the 71st district.
Currently, 11 senators and 24 Assembly members — all Democrats — make up the caucus’ roster. The group bills itself as a “forum for members of the State Senate and Assembly to identify key issues affecting Latinos and develop avenues to empower the Latino community throughout California.”
Sanchez, who describes herself as a Hispanic working mother, said she is disappointed that she and her Republican colleagues are not allowed to join the caucus, but still plans to work across the aisle on issues she says are important to Latino communities.
“The issues that we care about and where we want to see Hispanics grow into, I feel, are the exact same,” Sanchez told the Register. “Making sure we have safe communities, opportunities for jobs, affordable cost of living and that our children are able to receive a quality education.”
“Democrats versus Republicans doesn’t solve California’s issues and make it more affordable for all,” she added.
The 71st District includes Mission Viejo and Ladera Ranch in Orange County and stretches east to include Murrieta and Temecula in Riverside County.
New Assemblymembers Juan Alanis, Josh Hoover and Sanchez join Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh in Sacramento as the only Latino GOP legislators. Both chambers of the California Legislature have long had Democratic supermajorities.
When reached for comment, Assemblywoman Sabrina Cervantes, chair of the caucus, pointed to a statement provided to the Sacramento Bee: “For 50 years, the California Latino Legislative Caucus has advocated for the nearly 16 million Latinos in California. The CLLC will continue as our founding memberships’ precedent set forth.”
There are two caucuses dedicated to Asian American & Pacific Islander lawmakers in Sacramento: One is limited to Democrats while the other is bipartisan, according to Assemblymember Evan Low, who leads both groups.
That means Tri Ta, another Assembly freshman who is Vietnamese, will be able to join an AAPI caucus.
“I am proud to be the voice of a district that is 40% Asian American and has the largest Vietnamese population outside of Vietnam,” Ta, who represents the 70th District in Orange County, said. “I look forward to having conversations with other legislators who represent the AAPI community to ensure that we are creating policies that make California safer and more affordable.”
