OPINION | ROOTED IN COMMUNITY
Sarah Dragon reflects on Denise Powell’s historic congressional victory, Latino candidates elected across Nebraska and her own win in Omaha.
By Sarah Dragon
There is something quite magical about being in the room where history is made. Last night, I had the overwhelming joy of watching my dear friend Denise Powell make history as the first Latina elected to represent Nebraska in Congress. It is a moment I will never forget, and one that represents so much more than a single election.
Denise Powell, the first Latina elected to represent Nebraska in Congress, speaks at an event.
It was a winning night for Latino representation across Nebraska!
Here in Omaha, Mark Martinez won his race for Douglas County Sheriff, bringing generations of community roots and decades of public service to the office. Tony Vargas, former state senator, was elected Douglas County Treasurer. Viridiana Almanza Zavala was elected to serve a second term on the Omaha Public Schools Board of Education, and Yanira Garcia was elected to a second term on the Regional Metropolitan Transit Authority Board of Directors, continuing her work to ensure our transit system serves our community. I am also incredibly humbled and proud to have been elected to serve on the Learning Community Coordinating Council for Subdistrict 5.
Sarah Dragon with Tony Vargas, elected Douglas County Treasurer.
And the victories did not stop in Omaha. Across Nebraska, Latino candidates stepped forward and earned the opportunity to serve:
- Lexington: Handy Marin Diaz and Lizbeth Lopez, City Council.
- Fremont: Betsy Flores, School Board At-Large.
- Grand Island: Laura Gamboa Urrego, City Council Ward 4.
- Norfolk: Leonor Fuhrer, Board of Education At-Large.
- Crete: Marilyn Schacht, Board of Education At-Large, and Sabrina Renderos Bonilla, City Council Ward 2.
- Columbus: Cynthia Alarcon, City Council Ward 1.
From left: Douglas County Commissioner Roger Garcia, Yanira Garcia, Viridiana Almanza Zavala, Sarah Dragon and Nebraska State Sen. Dunixi Guereca.
Sarah Dragon with Douglas County Commissioner Roger Garcia.
The momentum reached far beyond Nebraska. In Texas, Gina Hinojosa made history as the state’s first Latina governor and Bobby Pulido was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. In California, Xavier Becerra is the first Latino elected by voters as governor of California.*
These victories represent more than election results. They represent generations of families who worked hard, sacrificed, and paved the way for us to have opportunities they may never have imagined for themselves. At a time when our Latino community is facing so much criticism, negative rhetoric and attacks, seeing Latinos step forward, run for office, and earn the trust of their communities sends a powerful message.
We belong at the table. We belong in positions of leadership. Our voices deserve to be heard, and our experiences deserve to be represented.
I am incredibly proud of every candidate who stepped forward, every family who supported them, and every voter who made their voice count. These victories belong to our communities and to the generations who will follow us.
¡Sí se puede! ❤️
*Romualdo Pacheco became California’s first Latino governor in 1875. He did not win the office in a gubernatorial election; rather, he ascended to the position from lieutenant governor when the sitting governor, Newton Booth, resigned to join the U.S. Senate.
Editor’s note: This is an opinion column. The views expressed are those of Sarah Dragon and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Hola Nebraska. Dragon was a candidate for the Learning Community Coordinating Council, Subcouncil 5, and is among the candidates whose victories she discusses. Election results referenced in this column are preliminary and subject to certification.
Election results: Nebraska Secretary of State | Nebraska county election results.
Previously in Rooted in Community: Our Roots Matter, Our Voices, Our Future: Why I’m Running.
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