Eight Latino Candidates to Seek Historic Wins in 2026
Voters will decide on November 3, 2026, if these candidates reach milestones.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Hispanic
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Eight Latino candidates are pursuing historic elective offices across the United States in the upcoming midterm elections. Voters will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to determine the outcomes of these races for governor, Congress, and statewide executive positions.
Why it matters
The election results will determine if these candidates achieve first-of-their-kind representational milestones in their respective states and districts. These races reflect a broader trend of Latino political engagement in federal and statewide contests.
Eight Latino candidates are running for federal or statewide offices in the 2026 midterms. This follows a legacy of representation that includes Catherine Cortez Masto, who became the first Latina U.S. senator in 2016.
The players
Xavier Becerra
He is the Democratic candidate for governor of California.
Gina Hinojosa
She is the Democratic candidate for governor of Texas.
Michele Tafoya
She is the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Minnesota.
Catherine Cortez Masto
She made history in 2016 as the first Latina U.S. senator.
JoCasta Zamarripa
She is the Democratic candidate for secretary of state in Wisconsin.
The details
The candidates include Xavier Becerra and Gina Hinojosa running for governor in California and Texas, alongside congressional bids by Denise Powell, Teresa Benitez-Thompson, and Bobby Pulido. Other candidates include Michele Tafoya for U.S. Senate and Amanda Gonzalez and JoCasta Zamarripa for secretary of state roles in Colorado and Wisconsin.
Timeline
1875 marked when Romualdo Pacheco became governor of California.
1994 was the last year Texas elected a Democrat to statewide office.
2010 was the year JoCasta Zamarripa was first elected to the Wisconsin Legislature.
2016 saw Catherine Cortez Masto become the first Latina U.S. senator.
November 3, 2026, is the date voters head to the polls for midterm elections.
Culture Shift
The success of these 2026 candidates would build upon the precedent set by the election of Catherine Cortez Masto as the first Latina U.S. senator. This marks a continuation of the effort to increase diversity in high-level state and federal government roles.
Residents in these districts will have the opportunity to participate in shaping the political landscape by casting their ballots on election day. These races may lead to new representation for communities that have been historically underrepresented in statewide executive offices.
The takeaway
These candidates demonstrate a significant push to break barriers in American electoral politics. Voters should monitor their local candidate platforms to understand the potential policy impacts if these individuals are elected to office.
What happens next
Voters will cast ballots on November 3, 2026, to finalize these election results.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments regarding Hispanic representation in government.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Latin Times.
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