Two Latin women They continue to make history in Californian politics: Hilda Solís and María Elena Durazo.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solís, advanced to the general election on November 2 to compete for District 38 from the United States Congress to the Republican psychologist Pedro Antonio Casas.
The District 38 seat became vacant after former Rep. Linda Sanchez (D) decided to run for a seat in California’s District 41 — which covers parts of southern Los Angeles County and extends into Orange County — rather than seek re-election in her exact district following the passage of Proposition 50.
Previously, Solis, daughter of a Nicaraguan mother and Mexican father, she represented California’s 31st and 32nd districts in Congressprior to serving as Secretary of Labor under the administration of former President Barack Obama.
“I am honored to have earned a spot in the runoff to represent California’s 38th District, and I am ready to win this seat in November,” Solís told La Opinión.
“Thank you to the voters of Los Angeles and Orange counties, as well as the volunteers, supporters, union allies, community leaders, elected officials, team members, friends and family who drove this campaign. Together, we have built a broad coalition committed to delivering results for families,” he added.
Republican Pedro Antonio Casas will be measured
Hilda Solís indicated that what is at stake in this election could not be more important.
“This district deserves a representative who will stand up to Trump’s agenda, defend workers’ rights, protect immigrant familiespromote women’s rights, advance environmental justice and expand economic opportunities. “Our communities need a leader who will fight for affordable health care, economic security and dignity for all,” he explained.
For her, with 51.83% of the votes (31,373), the message at the polls was clear: “The residents of District 38 want a leader who will protect workers, defend immigrant communities and expand opportunities for all.”
Pedro Antonio Casas obtained 31.69% of the vote (19,185). In the race for a congressional seat, it doesn’t matter if a candidate gets more than 50% of the votes. The first two places advance to the second round.
Durazo to the county Board of Supervisors
The state senator María Elena Durazo, daughter of Mexican immigrants who spent the summers of her youth in the fields of the Central Valley of California picking peaches, strawberries and grapes, secured a seat on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in Tuesday’s primary elections, precisely in the place that Hilda Solís will leave.
“I am grateful to everyone who knocked on doors, made calls and voted,” Durazo said. “This campaign was fueled by working people and small businesses who believe the county can do things better.”
He added: “In the state senate, fight for fair wages and health care, and As County Supervisor, I will renew that commitment with urgency, compassion, and a promise to make this government serve the people.“.
Rejection of more taxes: Measure ER fails
The so-called Restoring Essential Services Act (Measure ER) rejected by Los Angeles County voters: The count indicated 52.74% (666,926 votes) against and 47.26% (597,748) in favor.
The initiative by Supervisors Hilda Solis and Holly Mitchell sought to mitigate the risk of closure of the County’s four public hospitals and numerous clinics, as well as mass layoffs of health care providers and other service cuts, by implementation of a general sales tax of 0.5% (half a percent) over a period of 5 years, which would generate approximately one billion dollars annually, subject to independent audits.
“The cost of living is very expensive and I can’t pay more taxes,” said Lidia Novelo, a seventy-nine-year-old voter. “They are also taking away a lot of medical aid, which in the long run is going to harm us all.”
The rejection of Measure ER came as Los Angeles County faces a massive $662 million deficit. in Department of Health Services funding, driven largely by changes in federal and state policies, including freezes on Medi-Cal enrollment and reductions in federal matching rates. These reductions threaten essential services of the social security network throughout the region.
“This measure was a local response to the cuts in health care made by the Trump administration in the so-called ‘Big and Beautiful Bill’ (Astronomical Brilliant Invoice), which is dismantling Medicaid and dismantling fundamental parts of the social security network on which millions of Americans depend,” was the disappointed reaction of Supervisor Solís.
In fact, Solís warned that the consequences will be devastating.
“Working families, older adults, people with disabilities, Low-income people and some of our most vulnerable residents will lose access to health care indispensable. Lives will be lost as services are reduced, delayed or eliminated entirely,” Solis warned.
