The Republican Party gained more seats in the U.S. House of Representatives -- a rate not seen since World War II, but Latinos also made history by picking up more seats for the upcoming 114th Congress.

After Election Night, the number of Latinos set to be in the new 114th Congress increased to 32. Specifically, 29 Latinos are part of the House of Representatives, as the current three Latino senators -- Florida Republican Marco Rubio, Democrat Robert Menendez of New Jersey and Republican Ted Cruz of Texas -- did not face reelection this year.

Prior to midterm Election Day, the current 113th Congress was home to 31 Latino politicians, both from the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. In the House, 28 are Latinos. Of the 28 representatives, 23 Latino lawmakers represented the Democratic Party, while the Republican Party housed five.

Following the elections, five Latinos won seats in the House. According to the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund, two Latino Democrats lost their seats from Florida and Texas, while one was gained in California. It was a good night for Latinos in the GOP as the political party gained two seats in Florida and West Virginia. By the end of the night, Democrats accrued a net loss of one Latino representative, while Republicans gained two.

As a result of Tuesday's elections, the 114th Congress' House of Representatives now comprises 22 Latino Democrats and seven Latino Republicans. Most of the Latino representatives are from California with 10 representatives, followed by Texas with four representatives, who are also Democrats. Most of the Latino GOP representatives are from Florida with three. Florida does not have a Democratic representative.

"Latino candidates made history on Election Night, securing groundbreaking victories in contests across the country and in both political parties," NALEO Educational Fund Executive Director Arturo Vargas said. "We witnessed Latino statewide executive office candidates win in non-traditional states nationwide, with Latinos also securing the numbers needed to form the largest congressional class of Latinos in history."

The newly elected Latino representatives are Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz. 7th District, Pete Aguilar, D-Calif. 31st District, Norma Torres, D- Calif. 35th District, Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla. 26th District and Alex Mooney, R-W. Va. 2nd District.

"Latinos will continue to shape the nation's political landscape as candidates, demonstrating their ability to lead and win at all levels of office," Vargas said.

The first day of the 114th Congress starts on Jan. 3, 2015.

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For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.

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