New Jersey’s leading organization for increasing Latina representation in government and politics, Latinas United for Political Empowerment Political Action Committee (“LUPE PAC”) proudly announces their first wave of endorsements for the 2021 election season.

LUPE PAC is proud to support the following candidates running for office in the upcoming June primary election:

• Annette Quijano – New Jersey State Assembly, Legislative District 20
• Valerie Vainieri Huttle– New Jersey State Senate, Legislative District 37
• Lauren K. Dayton– New Jersey State Assembly, Legislative District 37
• Gervonn Romney Rice– New Jersey State Assembly, Legislative District 37
• Felisha O. Reyes-Morton, Mayor, City of Camden
• Maria Rodriguez, Council, City of Somerville

LUPE PAC is a non-partisan political action committee whose mission is to increase the number of Latinas in elected and appointed offices in the State of New Jersey. The organization promotes and supports progressive leaders who stand up for an agenda that invests in Latina civic and political leadership and advances critical issues that matter to Latinas in New Jersey. This year, the organization has experienced inquiries from an overwhelming number of Latinas running for office.

“The numbers don’t lie. Latinos are the largest minority group in the United States and contribute in large amounts to the strong economic success of New Jersey,” stated Laura Matos, President of LUPE PAC. “Our goal is to encourage Latinas to run for office so that they can secure these elected roles at a rate that is more representative of our population. Latinas are running in record numbers to address the issues impacting our communities. It is an honor to endorse these women who will continue to fight for people as we are fighting COVID-19.”

Quijano is the current Majority Conference Leader for the General Assembly and has served in the assembly since 2008. Reyes-Morton is running for mayor, hoping to focus on making sure Camden has the resources to meet the needs of residents. Vainieri Huttle has been serving as an Assemblywoman for District 37 since 2006. Rice is currently a member of Teaneck Council and Dayton is a first-time candidate and both are running for Assembly in District 37. Rodriguez, if elected, would be the first Latina councilwoman for Somerville Borough Council.

“This is the first wave of endorsements,” says Noemi Velazquez, chair of the endorsement committee for LUPE PAC. “All elections are important, but it is crucial that we support our women to win primaries, as this will ensure them a place on the November ballot, thus bringing them a step closer to victory.”

LUPE PAC is committed to helping Latinas engage in the political process and helping them run for public office while raising early money so they can become viable contenders.

LUPE PAC is a non-partisan political action committee whose specific mission is to increase the number of Latinas in elected office in the State of New Jersey and to advocate for issues that impact Latinas in New Jersey. All contributions to LUPE PAC are not tax deductible.