The political arm of the Latino Victory Project, known as the Latino Victory Fund, endorsed two candidates who, if elected, will be the first Latinas in the U.S. Senate.

Catherine Cortez Masto

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, previously announced he will retire from the Senate and not seek reelection in 2016. His vacant seat provided the opportunity for Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto to pursue her next political venture, which could give her the honor as the first Latina, regardless of U.S. State, to serve in the Senate. The senate win would also be the first time Nevada elected a woman, regardless of ethnicity, to the Senate.

"Catherine is a talented leader and dedicated public servant. Throughout her stellar career, she has fought for the middle class, worked to make Nevada's communities safe and advocated for those who need a strong voice in government. That is the type of leader we need in the Senate," said Latino Victory Fund President Cristóbal Alex in a statement.

According to Alex, Cortez Masto, who is running against Rep. Joe Heck, R-Nevada, is an experienced candidate who will defend the Latino community, especially under the current rhetoric made during the presidential campaign trail affecting Latinos and immigrants.

"The Latino community is ready to witness yet another milestone that will help elevate us above the hateful anti-Latino rhetoric that has tarnished recent political campaigns. Catherine is the fierce leader who will blaze this trail for the next generations," added Alex.

Cortez Masto, the granddaughter of a Mexican immigrant, said she plans to work with both major political parties, if elected, and work on expanding the middle class, increase the minimum wage, pass comprehensive immigration reform and ensure Nevadans have quality access to education.

"In contrast, my opponent, Republican Congressman Heck, votes with his Party 90 [percent] of the time and is part of the problem in Washington. Congressman Heck opposed comprehensive immigration reform, supports devastating cuts to education funding, and voted to tear families apart by defunding deferred action. The choice for Latino voters in Nevada is clear: while I will always stand with them, Congressman Heck stands with his Party in Washington."

Loretta Sanchez


The Latino Victory Fund endorsed Rep. Loretta Sanchez, D-Calif., currently campaigning to succeed the retiring Barbara Boxer's Senate seat.

According to the Latino Victory Fund president, Sanchez has the track record of improving the lives of Latinos, both within and outside her district.

"Congresswoman Sanchez has championed issues that the Latino community cares about, including working to improve the economy, to ensure that our children receive access to quality education and that our communities have a clean, safe environment," said Alex in a statement on Wednesday. "Her hard work and dedication has earned the respect of her constituents in California and of her peers in Congress. Congresswoman Sanchez is the Latina we need in the U.S. Senate."

"Our state and nation face the challenges of economic inequality, the growing consequences of climate change, stalled immigration reform, and a national defense tested by the threat of terrorism. The next U.S. Senator should not only have the proven legislative and national security experience needed; the candidate should also share the life experiences of everyday Californians -- that's what makes me the best candidate for the job," said Sanchez.

Sanchez was elected into the House of Representatives in 1996, receiving 984 more votes than then-incumbent Republican Bob Dornan. Despite his allegations of voter fraud, an investigation determined Sanchez was still the winner. Since her victory, Sanchez has won each of her elections by double digits.

Must Read: Latino Victory Project President Cristóbal Alex Says Latinos Are 'Deciding Factor' in Elections

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