Latinas Just Set a Record in State Legislatures—But There’s Still a Long Way to Go
For the first time in U.S. history, more Latinas are serving in state legislatures than ever before. According to a new report from the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University, 214 Latinas now hold seats in state legislatures across the country—a new record that signals progress, but also underscores how far we still have to go.
Why This Record Matters
These gains follow the 2024 elections, during which women of color made notable strides in state-level representation. Kelly Dittmar, CAWP’s director of research, told The 19th that while the number of women in Congress or state executive roles remained mostly stagnant, state legislatures saw a boost: “When we’re seeing these gains, they’re coming among racially and ethnically diverse women.”
Latinas, in particular, now hold 2.9% of state legislative seats nationwide. That’s an improvement from the previous record of 192 seats held in 2024. Still, it’s far from equitable representation—Latinas make up 9.6% of the U.S. population.
The Numbers Behind the Milestone
Of the 214 Latina legislators in 2025, 182 are Democrats, 31 are Republicans, and one identifies as nonpartisan, according to CAWP. That kind of bipartisan growth is especially important in a political climate where polarization often overshadows progress.
“Among Latinas, we’re seeing at least slightly more partisan diversity,” Dittmar noted. “That allows for them to see success in this overall racial and ethnic group, inclusive of both parties doing well.”
This diversity is reflected in other racial groups as well. Black, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI), and Native American women also saw record highs in 2025. Yet Latinas remain drastically underrepresented compared to their population size, even as their political engagement grows.
Latinas in State Legislature Seats Reflect a Bigger Voter Shift
The spike in Latina state legislators didn’t happen in a vacuum. It reflects broader voter engagement trends. According to Dittmar, early data indicate that the Latino voting population increased by 12% in 2024, nearly the same rate at which Latina representation grew in state legislatures.
The connection is critical. As Latino communities grow and mobilize, their political influence strengthens. And Latinas, who statistically vote at higher rates than Latino men, are leading that charge.
Progress Is Real. So Is the Gap.
This record number is a cause for celebration. But it’s also a reminder that equity in politics remains unfinished work. As of 2025, women of all backgrounds hold just one-third of all state legislative seats, according to CAWP’s Women in State Legislatures 2025 report.
Debbie Walsh, CAWP’s director, summed it up: “Women of all backgrounds are still significantly underrepresented in state legislatures.”
In other words, progress doesn’t equal parity.
What’s The Next Step?
While headlines may focus on Congress or the White House, state legislatures are where many of the most immediate and tangible policies impacting communities of color are enacted. From reproductive rights to education to access to healthcare, the voices making decisions at the state level matter deeply.
And right now, more of those voices belong to Latinas. That matters—for representation, for policy, and for the future of democracy itself.
