For Immediate Release
April 14, 2026
Contact: Adam Russell
Democrats are winning back Hispanic voters all across the country
WHITTIER, Calif. – Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-Whittier) released the following statement after Democratic Party-endorsed candidates swept the Whittier mayoral and city council races, flipping a once Republican-stronghold:
“Whittier just flipped blue!
“Congratulations to Mayor-elect Becerra and Council Members-elect Santana and Macedo. They ran strong campaigns and proved that when we organize, work hard and show up to vote, change is possible.
“Last year, I called on the Republican–led city council to protect our neighbors and stand up to the aggressive ICE raids in Whittier. They refused and I warned them that our community would remember their silence and inaction come Election Day.
“Hispanic voters – including Trump 2024 voters – are souring on the MAGA agenda and flocking to Democrats. We saw it in the Virginia and New Jersey gubernatorial elections last year, in Wisconsin two weeks ago, and again in Whittier today. Democrats are laser-focused on affordability and reigning in ICE, and Hispanic voters are noticing.
“But we’re just getting started. We have a chance to flip more seats at every level across the country, including electing a Democratic majority in Congress that will put a check on Donald Trump and his extreme MAGA agenda.
“The blue wave came to Whittier! Democrats are united and ready to take it further.”
Whittier, the hometown of Richard Nixon, has historically been a Republican stronghold where the nominally nonpartisan mayor has been a Republican for decades due in part to off-cycle elections. However, Democrats have made significant inroads with the now predominantly Hispanic residents of Whittier. It’s a microcosm of a pattern that is playing out across the country, as Democrats regain the trust of Hispanic voters, including those who supported Trump in 2024. By remaining laser focused on how the costs of groceries, gas and rent are spiraling out of control while pushing back against ICE, Democrats are showing they are fighters for affordability and fighters against Trump.
Sánchez is the chair of the Congressional BOLD PAC and is fighting tirelessly to win back Hispanic voters and increase Hispanic representation in Congress. In the Whittier municipal races, she and her team supported the Democratic-aligned campaigns, providing office space and other assistance to help get the vote out.
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