State Representatives Jon Koznick, Bidal Duran, and Erica Schwartz announced on April 29 the formation of the Minnesota Latino Caucus. The caucus will serve as a sub-caucus of the House Republican Caucus and aims to represent conservative Latinos in Minnesota.
The group said it will focus on affordability initiatives and policies that support business growth and family stability. According to the representatives, many Latinos have come to America seeking relief from economic hardship caused by left-wing policies in their countries of origin.
Koznick said, “We want Latino families, and all Minnesotans who need relief from rising costs and increasing regulations — those tired of inefficient government riddled with waste and fraud — to know that they have Latino legislators and House Republicans to support them and champion the promise and vision of the American Dream. We know and understand Latinos in Minnesota live across all parts of the state: from Mankato to Minneapolis, Worthington and Willmar to West St. Paul, St. Cloud to Shakopee, and beyond. We do not take you for granted. We will continue to advocate on your behalf and compete for your votes. We are proud and grateful to be Americans and to be Minnesotans. We represent faith, family, hard work, and patriotism. These are the inherently conservative values ingrained in our Latino roots, and we welcome you to join us in our movement.”
Duran said there is a misconception that certain communities share uniform political beliefs: “There’s a tendency in politics to assume certain communities all think the same way. We all know that’s not the reality. Latino Americans — and Minnesotans — have a wide range of perspectives, and true diversity of thought deserves to be recognized and represented. You’re seeing that reflected in a growing Republican Party that’s actually focused on real challenges while Democrats continue to add new burdens on top of the problems Minnesotans are already facing. It’s no surprise that Latinos are moving towards the side that’s offering solutions instead of just the same tired platitudes.”
Schwartz described her personal experience with affordability issues: “I see the frustration on customers’ faces every day as they try to afford essentials. I’ve lived that struggle myself, and I carry those experiences with me to the Capitol.” She added this is an important reason why representation matters for communities often overlooked or misunderstood.
The caucus says it welcomes all Minnesotans who share conservative values.
