Loretta Sanchez California Senate Candidate Wins Endorsement Of Key Latino Group

Eva Longoria’s Latino Victory Fund has endorsed U.S. Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez for Senate, throwing key support in a competitive 2016 race for Barbara Boxer’s seat. The endorsement is crucial for Sanchez, who is seeking to consolidate the Latino vote ahead of June primary. She is seen as the underdog in her race against fellow Democrat and California Attorney general Kamala Harris. Cristóbal Alex, the president of Longoria’s PAC said in a statement that Sanchez’s campaign holds the promise of producing an important first.

“Latino Victory Fund is proud to stand by her side as she takes the next important step that can lead to a critical milestone for our community—to elect the first Latina U.S. Senator,” he said.

Sanchez is the second Latina running for U.S. Senate to win the support of Longoria’s group, the Latino Victory Project, in as many months. The PAC formally declared support for Nevada candidate Catherine Cortez Masto on Feb. 10.

The Latino Victory Project markets its chosen candidates to voters and major donors. Their long-term goal is to elect the first Latino president. (Some restrictions apply; they reject Marco Rubio over his immigration stance.) With the group in their corner, Masto and Sanchez have a better chance of becoming a “first.”

Harris is not Hispanic, but has not conceded that voting block by any measure. She has already secured the endorsements of La Opinion and several prominent Latino leaders in California. That’s a problem for Sanchez, whose Hispanic heritage, Spanish-speaking abilities and immigrant background have been the speartip of her congressional career. Republican Rocky Chavez, who was polling in 3rd place, dropped out of the race last week.

Sanchez also differentiates herself from Harris with her resume, touting years of legislative experience, and arguing that Harris lacks federal policy prowess. That hasn’t persuaded Democratic powerbrokers and funders, who reportedly favor Harris. The Latino Victory Project touts Sanchez’s legislative experience in their endorsement.

“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.

It may be too early in the race to pinpoint policy differences between the candidates. Sanchez and Harris have not debated. They both support mainstays Democratic platform. They both support sanctuary cities, perhaps a slightly more divisive issue among Democrats after the Kate Steinle shooting by an undocumented immigrant in San Francisco last year.

Sanchez’s challenge in the coming months will be to convince voters and activists that her resume matters, or differentiate herself from her opponent ideologically.