Members and supporters of the Connecticut Hispanic Democratic Caucus are endorsing Gov. Ned Lamont as he seeks a third term.
The caucus announced its support Tuesday, sealing the deal in a Spanglish shout: “Latinos con Ned and Susan”.
Vice Chair of the caucus Miguel Castro said the Lamont administration has uplifted Latino communities through various sectors.
“Governor Ned Lamont and Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz have proven to be dedicated allies who fight for our families,” Castro said. “So we stand and continue to stand with this administration, this dream team, because they stand with us.”
Connecticut has over 600,000 Hispanic or Latino residents, according to the Decennial Census from the U.S. Census Bureau, making up nearly 20% of the state’s population.
Castro pointed to various examples of the Lamont administration’s efforts to support Latino families.
In education, Castro said Lamont made Connecticut the first state to require African-American, Black, Puerto Rican, and Latino studies in all high schools.
In healthcare, Castro said Lamont’s Covered Connecticut program bridged healthcare disparities among the Hispanic population and other communities of color.
In language inclusivity, Castro said Lamont signed a “meaningful” bill that established “Latino”, “Latina” and the gender-neutral term “Latine” as preferred terms in official government communications.
Castro said he has also seen positive outcomes in housing, workforce empowerment, and immigration reform under the Lamont administration.
“They have defended and provided access, so the community has an opportunity just like everyone else,” Castro said. “So their agenda is not only established but is strong, and we stand with their efforts. It has become a collected effort for all of us.”
Lamont said he plans to continue his efforts in collaboration with the Latino communities if he wins the election.
“I love the fact that we're starting more new businesses than ever before, and more of them are started by Hispanic men and women in their community,” Lamont said, “building wealth, making our communities come to life.”
Bysiewicz echoed Lamont’s sentiment and asked for Latino residents to come out and vote.
“We need the Hispanic community in this election so that we can continue the good work that we've been doing…” Bysiewicz said. “We are so very proud of all of the work that we've done together, but we know that the Latino community is key to helping us continue the progress for the people of Connecticut.”
Lamont faces democratic state representative Josh Elliot in the primary. Lamont asked Castro to help translate his message to Latino voters.
“We have a primary on August 11.” Lamont said with Castro translating in Spanish. “Your vote really makes a difference. There's early voting, absentee voting, or show up. August 11th and then in November. We need you twice.”
