GROW Elect Holds First Statewide Gathering of Latino Republican Elected Officials

 

Nearly 50 Latino Republicans elected to public office from across California, gathered in Los Angeles this past weekend for GROW Elect’s first statewide meeting of candidates and elected officials. The post-election luncheon was a celebration of GROW Elect’s success in tripling its number of successful candidates for office (to over 90 successful elected officials) in less than two years, and a tribute to these Latino Republicans who are providing leadership in their communities.

The event served as an opportunity for Latino Republican leaders to meet, exchange ideas, discuss experiences and inspire each other.  In addition to GROW Elect President Ruben Barrales, attendees heard from speakers (and GROW Elect candidates) including San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos, Riverside County District Attorney-elect Mike Hestrin, Assemblyman Eric Linder, Orange County Superintendent of Schools Al Mijares and Downey City Councilman and former Mayor Mario Guerra, one of the original founders of GROW Elect.

Among the distinguished group of public officials at the luncheon were several other current and former Mayors, including Violeta Lewis of La Puente, Suzanne Fuentes of El Segundo, Jack Guerrero of Cudahy, Lupe Ramos Watson of Indio, Mayor Ignacio Velazquez of Hollister, and Rudy Mendoza of Woodlake.

The event also included two dynamic Millennials who GROW Elect helped to elect: Zurich Lewis, GROW Elect’s youngest office-holder, was just elected at the age of 20 to the Cerritos Community College Board with a landslide 60% of the vote; and Bernadette Suarez, who at the age of 23 was elected City Clerk in the City of Lawndale earlier this year.

The gathering was hugely successful and GROW Elect plans future events in other parts of the state to connect Latino Republican candidates and elected officials with each other as we continue to help build a stronger Republican Party, and promote policies of fiscal responsibility, education reform and transparent government.