Latino Victory Fund, a political action committee that backs progressive Latino candidates running for office, announced a new slate of endorsements in San Antonio ahead of the May municipal election. Increasingly, Texas has been a major investment for the organization on the local level.
Latino Victory Fund is backing two San Antonio city council members for re-election: Phyllis Viagran in District 3 and Melissa Cabello Havrda in District 6. They also announced they were supporting Marina Alderete Gavito for the open seat in District 7.
Latino Victory Fund President and CEO Nathalie Rayes issued a statement about the endorsements. “San Antonio is a historic city with generations worth of achievements for the Latino community,” said Rayes. “It is also a place where Latinos see strength in political representation. That is why we at Latino Victory Fund are proud to endorse three Latina candidates who will lead San Antonio forward.”
Gavito was previously the Executive Director of SA Digital Connects, which strives to close the digital divide in Bexar County. She also has a family connection to the city council. Her father Joe Alderete represented District 7 for a term in the 1980’s. Her mother, Chris Alderete, served on the Port San Antonio’s Board of Directors.
District 7 had been represented by council member Ana Sandoval, who announced she was resigning earlier this year. Rosie Castro, a Tejana activist and the mother of Congressman Joaquin Castro and former San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro, was appointed by the council for the temporary District 7 position.
Castro is not running for re-election in May. Early voting in San Antonio begins April 24, and the General Election is on May 6.
A longtime writer and journalist, Jessica was thrilled to join the Texas Signal where she could utilize her unique perspective on politics and culture. As the Features and Opinion Editor, she is responsible for coordinating editorials and segments from diverse authors. She is also the host of the podcast the Tex Mix, as well as the co-host for the weekly SignalCast. Jessica attended Harvard College, is a onetime fitness blogger, and has now transitioned to recreational runner (for which her joints are thankful).
