RNC To Highlight Latino Republicans During Hispanic Heritage Month

The Republican National Committee is recognizing National Hispanic Heritage Month with the theme “Honoring our Latino Leaders” and spotlighting elected Latino Republicans, Chairman Reince Priebus announced Tuesday.

“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the history and culture of Americans of Hispanic descent,” Priebus declared in a statement. “We are a stronger, more diverse, more vibrant country thanks to the influence and hard work of Hispanic Americans over generations—whether in the arts and sciences, business, government, education or the military. The Republican Party is proud to recognize and honor those contributions, not just this month but all year long.”

Tuesday marks the first day of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. President Lyndon Johnson first marked the celebration of Hispanic heritage as a week-long affair and President Ronald Reagan expanded the observance to a month in 1988.

The RNC — which sees appealing to Hispanic voters as part of a path to electing a GOP president — will also be participating in events across the country.

“As part of our ongoing, year-round commitment to engage with Hispanic voters, we will participate in community events across the country. As always, it’s an opportunity for new voters to hear from us and more importantly, for Republicans to listen to the concerns of Latino voters,” Priebus added.

Tuesday’s announcement also featured statements from two Hispanic GOP governors — Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval and New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez.

“I joined the Republican Party years ago because of the values and priorities I learned growing up. After all, our party champions the very entrepreneurial spirit that brought generations of Hispanic families to the United States in the first place,” Sandoval said, going on to note that he is “proud to join the RNC in celebrating the heritage of millions of my fellow Americans.”

Martinez added that the “influence and importance” of the Hispanic community in the U.S. is growing and praised Priebus and the RNC for their efforts.

“So I want to commend Chairman Priebus and the RNC for their tireless dedication to engage the Hispanic community. As Republicans, we know that building a stronger, more vibrant America depends on listening to, and acting on, the concerns of all Americans,” she said.