For the first time in North Carolina’s recent history, an unprecedented number of Latino candidates — a total of 29 — are running for public office in the 2025 municipal elections.
This phenomenon marks a key moment for the political representation of a community that, despite its population growth, still holds less than 1% of elected positions.
“The importance of this milestone is not only in the number of candidates, but in what it symbolizes for the political future of the state,” said Eliazar Posada, Carrboro council member, to Enlace Latino NC.
“The Latino community, which has become one of the largest in the region, is beginning to translate its demographic strength into the electoral arena,” he noted.
Expanding Political Power
Posada said that the fact that so many Latinos are participating in municipal elections shows that Latino political power is expanding, regardless of ideological affiliation — liberal, conservative, or independent.
“This wave of candidacies underscores a powerful reality: the Latino electorate is no longer a passive spectator but a central player in shaping local and state power,” he said.
The Carrboro council member also highlighted a historical contradiction: while the Latino population continues to grow rapidly in the state, its representation in public office remains lagging.
“The emergence of these candidacies seeks to close that gap and redefine the state’s political narrative, where for too long the Latino voice has been marginalized,” he said.
A Fairer Representation
Posada stressed that the record number of new Latino candidates running for local offices — from school boards and city councils to mayoralties — reflects the growing political strength of the Latino community.
“This participation is essential because many decisions that affect our communities are made at the local level,” he said.
“Having more Latinos, many of them children of immigrants, running for office means moving toward fairer representation that aligns with the Latino population growth in the state,” he added.
A Voice Against Current Narratives
Posada also analyzed what he sees as the reasons behind the growing Latino political participation in North Carolina.
“On one hand, the dynamics at the federal and state levels that affect immigrant communities have motivated many to get involved in political life,” he said.
“In addition, the Latino population in the state is young, and more and more emerging leaders are seeking to strengthen their representation and leadership through local races,” he added.
Finally, Posada noted there is also a response to an environment perceived as “anti-immigrant and anti-Latino.”
“Many Latino candidates see it as essential to have a voice and presence in countering those narratives, aspiring to transform their communities from municipal and local offices,” he said.
‘Being Elected Is Not Easy for Anyone’
As for how many of the 27 Latino candidates will actually be elected, Posada urged them to remain engaged.
“Being elected is not easy for anyone, which is why it is crucial to have leaders who truly represent the community,” he said.
“Those running for public office must build their profile, present themselves to the people, and demonstrate that they seek to serve — not just obtain a position or a title,” he added.
Paving the Way to Success
Running for office, Posada said, even if one does not win the first time, is part of the process.
“It helps gain recognition, build a trajectory, and pave the way toward success in future attempts,” he said.
“Many times it takes several campaigns before being elected, but each candidacy strengthens the visibility and political power of the Latino community,” he noted.
Finally, the Carrboro council member said the goal is to increase Latino representation and power in public offices.
“Every time a Latino runs for office, they are contributing to that collective goal and consolidating the recognition of the community,” he concluded.
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Después de la tormenta
Hace un año, el huracán Helene golpeó al oeste de Carolina del Norte. La comunidad latina respondió con algo más fuerte que la tormenta: solidaridad.
🎧 En este episodio, conoce cómo las organizaciones latinas transformaron la crisis en resiliencia.
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