FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 21, 2016
Contact: Mike Trujillo
mike[at]barraganforcongress[dot]com
Labor Leader and Civil Rights Icon Dolores Huerta Endorses Nanette Barragán in CA-44
SAN PEDRO, CA – Today, Dolores Huerta announced her support for Nanette in the race for California’s 44th congressional district. This support from one of the most important leaders in the state, builds on the growing coalition of leaders endorsing the Barragán campaign.
“Dolores Huerta is a true inspiration and I am deeply humbled to have her supporting our campaign,” said Barragán. “She has worked tirelessly for decades to make sure farm workers are afforded safe and decent working conditions, for women’s rights and opportunities for all through education. Since I was a young girl, I have admired her work to improve the lives of thousands of workers, who often lack a voice in our country. Her dedication has set a remarkable example and I look forward to fighting with her for worker’s rights, improving educational opportunities and passing comprehensive immigration reform.”
Dolores Huerta has championed the rights of farm workers in California and workers across the country for over five decades. She co-founded the United Farm Workers with Cesar Chavez, and has been active in the labor and progressive movements ever since. Her work has improved the working conditions of countless farm laborers. She is a civil rights, human rights and women’s advocate, in 2011 she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
“I am confident that Nanette Barragán is the best candidate to represent the working families of the 44th district,” said labor icon Dolores Huerta. “While one presidential candidate chooses to attack immigrants, women, and Latinos, Nanette’s story and commitment to her community serve as a strong rebuke of the divisive rhetoric. She worked for the NAACP on social justice issues, and as an attorney, she advocated on behalf of immigrant families and currently fights on behalf of disadvantaged children in their schools. We need more advocates like her in Congress to improve the lives of communities across the district and the country.”
Barragán, the daughter of immigrants from Mexico, grew up in Carson and the surrounding areas where she attended Stephen M. White Junior High School, learned to swim at the Carson Pool, and studied at the Carson Library. She worked her way through UCLA and law school at USC before becoming a long-time advocate for the environment and the first elected Latina member of the Hermosa Beach City Council. She was also a leader in the fight against Measure O, a ballot measure that would have allowed oil companies to drill for oil in the Santa Monica Bay.
Find more information here: www.barraganforcongress.com.
###
