New York.- Democratic Representative Adriano Espaillat, the first Dominican immigrant to serve in the U.S. Congress, was elected as president of the Democratic Hispanic Caucus (CHC), succeeding Representative Nanette Barragán. Espaillat emphasized the Caucus’s commitment to advocating for immigrant protections and humane policies that reflect national values. Born in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, Espaillat pledged a unified approach to addressing pressing challenges during the 119th Congress.
The Caucus plans to focus heavily on immigration, particularly in response to President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed mass deportation of undocumented immigrants. Espaillat highlighted CHC’s growing influence since its founding in 1976 and its dedication to achieving meaningful outcomes for Latino communities. He reiterated the importance of ensuring that Latino voices are represented and that their communities can prosper.
With 43 Latino Democratic legislators, the CHC now represents the largest group of Latinos in Congress, a milestone achieved after the November 5 elections. Espaillat, a former New York state senator and assemblyman, will lead the Caucus during this historic period, leveraging its record numbers to advance Latino priorities.