Democratic Rep. Jordan Lopez is one of two Latin members in the North Carolina General Assembly for the 2025 session.
For the first time, more than one member of this community occupies a seat in the House of Representatives. Representative López accompanies Brian Echevarria, republican.
This breakthrough underscores an important shift in the political composition of the state and reflects the growing impact of the Latino community in the local political arena.
In an interview with Enlace Latino NC , Lopez shared his story and his vision to be an active voice in the General Assembly.
The awakening of interest in politics
Rep. Lopez, born and raised in East Charlotte, said, “Fortunately, I now get to represent that same community in Raleigh.”
His interest in politics was sparked at age 13, when his mother signed him up to volunteer for Obama's 2012 re-election campaign. That experience, especially listening to President Obama speak at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in Charlotte, changed his perspective.
“Seeing a man who looks like me, with the same skin color, a similar upbringing, just changed the way I saw everything,” she said.
To the Latino community, “I want you to know that you have someone advocating for your interests.”
representative jordan lopez
During his high school days, a teacher encouraged him to join the student council, which further fueled his interest in politics.
Lopez earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from UNC Greensboro in 2019. His involvement in student government and interning with Congresswoman Alma Adams cemented his interest in politics.
Jordan Lopez, from legislative assistant to representative
After graduating, Lopez worked as a legislative assistant for state senator Mujtaba Mohammed, who influenced his path into politics.
“I always say that one of the best examples for me, as someone who eventually became a legislator,” López said.
While working for Senator Mohammed, Lopez began his graduate studies at North Carolina Central University, where he earned a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in urban management.
In addition to his role as a representative, Lopez expressed interest in becoming a city manager, captivated by the position's responsibility for impact at the local level.
“Afro-Latino” identity
Despite being raised by his single mother, who is not Latina, Lopez identifies as Afro-Latino, an essential part of his identity. His father, of Puerto Rican origin, was the one who made that connection.
“I identify as Afro-Latino. In most cases, when people see me, they see me as an African-American man. If you didn’t know my last name and we were having a conversation, you would think I was an African-American man. But then you hear my last name, and it’s like, wow,” Lopez said.
Although he did not grow up immersed in Puerto Rican culture, he found a warm and welcoming Latino community in the diversity of East Charlotte. In his work in state government, he contributed to initiatives on language accessibility and health care for new Americans, priority issues in the administration of Governor Roy Cooper.
“It's hearing so many stories, so many of the issues that communities across the state face, and how many of them are so similar. They just strike a chord with you, to the point where it's like, these aren't partisan issues,” Lopez said. “Even though some of them were openly Republican or openly Democratic, you think: This isn't a partisan issue, it's a people's issue, and we need to do better for our people.”
During her campaign, López also highlighted the support and welcome she received from the Latino community: “The community welcomed me as if I had always been a part of it,” she said.
Focuses on the legislative session
Rep. Lopez, a member of the Housing, Transportation, and Finance committees, has a focus on three critical areas: the housing crisis, public transportation, and support for immigrants.
“The lack of housing is driving up prices and driving people out of the city,” Lopez said. He also advocates a referendum on sales tax to fund investments in public transportation.
“Charlotte is working on its transit plan, and the city needs to get approval from the legislature to put a sales tax referendum on the ballot this year,” Lopez added.
Another key issue for Lopez is language accessibility in government agencies and reciprocity of professional licenses. He works alongside other representatives, like Maria Cervania, to ensure that immigrants receive the necessary support.
“These are all issues that affect immigrants, whether they come from Hispanic, Latino, Asian communities, or wherever else they may come from,” he said.
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Bills, 2025
As the 2025 legislative session gets underway, Rep. Jordan Lopez is keeping a close eye on several bills that could have a big impact.
One of them is the House Bill 50 with bipartisan support from Republican Rep. Erin Paré on the Housing Act. This bill seeks to expand one of the state’s three property tax relief programs for seniors.
Rep. Lopez, a member of the Housing, Transportation, and Finance committees, has a focus on three critical areas: the housing crisis, public transportation, and support for immigrants.
“We come from different parties, but it's a good bill, and we had a productive conversation about working together,” López shared after meeting with Paré.
López has co-sponsored projects such as the North Carolina Environmental Waste Management Act of 2025 and Fair Maps Act, which seeks to ensure equitable district delimitation for all parties.
He also supports legislation to make Election Day a state holiday and another that would require businesses to clearly disclose fees for credit card payments.
How will you advance your legislative agenda while in the minority?
Although he is a new member of the minority party, Lopez is determined to work in a practical way with his colleagues, regardless of their political party.
“Starting with conversations, getting to know people for who they are, and understanding their priorities is key,” says López. While acknowledging that his proposals won't gain immediate traction, he remains pragmatic.
"I think we can introduce bills that reflect what we want to do, but it will take time and effort to get them passed," he added.
Lopez stresses the importance of knowing the backgrounds of his colleagues. By acknowledging their experience, such as that of developers or planners, he sees opportunities to collaborate in areas such as housing.
“It's about finding what's practical and getting to know your fellow representatives,” explains López. He believes that, despite partisan differences, there are areas where cooperation is possible, as seen with professionals such as doctors and lawyers working for both parties.
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Immigration
Lopez also expressed concern that some immigration-related legislation stems from bias against marginalized groups, rather than genuine policy differences.
“At the local level, our governments must do everything possible to protect our most vulnerable citizens,” López said. “But I don't think immigration should be a priority for this legislative majority to address right now. We have a broken immigration system, and we need our Congress to fix it.”
"I don't think immigration should be a priority for this legislative majority to address right now. We have a broken immigration system, and we need our Congress to fix it."
Representative Jordan Lopez
Lopez criticized the state legislature's approach to immigration, saying it's not about policy but about targeting marginalized groups.
“Some of the negative things coming out of this building don't come from simple political disagreements, but because they don't believe people like me should be here,” López said.
He called for redirecting state resources toward solutions that truly benefit residents, rather than focusing on divisive issues to generate media attention.
Commitment to its constituents
Rep. Lopez is committed to quickly adapting to his new role while staying connected with his constituents in North Carolina.
“I can't represent my community without understanding how they feel about the issues that affect them,” he said.
Lopez stresses the importance of being responsive, offering support to those facing difficulties with state agencies or departments. He also seeks to ensure that the Latino community feels represented and heard.
To the Latino community, “I want them to know they have someone advocating for their interests,” López said.
“The building should reflect who lives here,” he added. “And although there are only two of us here now, I personally can't wait to see more of us walking through this building, which would create a more complete picture of what North Carolina truly represents.”
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