LULAC Makes Unprecedented Move: First Presidential Endorsement in 95-Year History

Friday 09 August 2024 - 12:30

In a historic departure from its long-standing tradition, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the oldest Latino civil rights organization in the United States, has announced its first-ever presidential endorsement. Traditionally, LULAC has refrained from making formal political endorsements throughout its 95-year history. However, the organization has now pledged its support to the Democratic ticket of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for the upcoming presidential election.

This landmark decision, revealed exclusively to NBC News, signifies a major shift in LULAC's approach to political engagement. The endorsement is facilitated through the organization’s newly established political action committee, LULAC Adelante PAC. This strategic move enables the group to navigate the legal constraints that prevent its nonprofit arm from making political endorsements under federal tax law.

Domingo Garcia, chairman of LULAC Adelante PAC and former president of LULAC, explained the reasoning behind this unprecedented action. "We are proud to endorse Kamala Harris and Tim Walz because of the pressing issues facing Latino communities and all Americans. We trust them to address these challenges effectively," Garcia said. He stressed the urgency of addressing the issues confronting Latino communities and the wider American populace.

The decision to establish a PAC and make this endorsement was not made lightly. Although LULAC had been contemplating the creation of a PAC for several years, the current political climate and the prospect of another term under the previous administration expedited the process. Juan Proaño, LULAC's CEO, expressed the organization's concerns about political rhetoric targeting Latinos and immigrants, stating, "The politics of hate-mongering and scapegoating Latinos and immigrants must end."

LULAC’s endorsement holds substantial significance due to the organization's extensive network and influence. With 535 councils nationwide and a membership of 140,000, of whom 86% are registered voters, LULAC’s support could be pivotal in key battleground states. The organization has announced plans for its councils to bolster support for the Democratic ticket in these crucial areas.

The endorsement process itself was not without its challenges. LULAC invited both major party candidates to attend its annual conference in July. While the Trump campaign did not respond, then-presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden was unable to attend. Nevertheless, Vice President Harris sent a videotaped message, which seems to have positively impacted the organization.

Proaño noted the Harris campaign's proactive engagement with the Latino community, highlighting multiple direct communications in a short period. This outreach likely influenced LULAC's decision, particularly given recent polls suggesting a potential decline in Latino support for the Democratic ticket compared to the 2020 election.

While this endorsement represents a significant departure from LULAC's historical stance, individual members have engaged in political activities in the past. For example, in 1956, LULAC President Felix Tijerina personally endorsed the Eisenhower-Nixon ticket. Additionally, LULAC members were active in Viva Kennedy clubs in 1960 and have supported local Mexican American candidates in various races.

The organization's decision to formally endorse a presidential ticket at this time underscores the perceived stakes of the upcoming election. Garcia emphasized, "Latinos understand how much is at stake in this election, not only for our community but for our democracy."

This historic endorsement by LULAC marks a pivotal moment in Latino political engagement and could significantly impact the electoral landscape. As the campaign progresses, attention will be focused on how this unprecedented support from the nation’s oldest Latino civil rights organization influences voter mobilization and electoral outcomes in key battleground states.

Moreover, this development raises questions about the evolving role of long-standing civil rights organizations in the political process and whether it signals a broader shift in how such groups engage with electoral politics. As the 2024 presidential race intensifies, LULAC’s endorsement may be remembered as a watershed moment at the intersection of civil rights advocacy and political participation.