Latinx Representation and Voting: Navigating Challenges in Sonoma County

On October 9th the Center for Community Engagement hosted a conversation around the Latinx community's role in voting and representation in Sonoma County as part of the It Matters! voter engagement series. Two local leaders, Ever Flores and Malinalli Lopez, brought their unique experiences and passion for education and equity to the forefront of this discussion.

Ever Flores: Bridging Trust and Representation

Ever Flores, a Sonoma State University alum, immigrated from El Salvador during the 1980s.  Flores is a counselor at Healdsburg High School and currently serves as a Santa Rosa City Schools Board Trustee. His personal history has shaped his dedication to the migrant population and the Latinx community at large. Flores has worked with the Latino PAC of Sonoma County, where he serves as Chair, and his role as a school board member reflected his passion for ensuring that voices of marginalized groups are heard. He emphasizes the importance of educators' voices being included in Washington, D.C., particularly regarding the "great divide in the achievement gap with students of color." Flores believes that students, especially from underrepresented groups, should not only feel supported but also be challenged academically.

The pandemic was a major challenge during his time on the school board, as decisions around student and faculty health required quick, informed responses in an atmosphere of uncertainty. Flores ultimately decided not to run for reelection, citing the intense time commitment needed to be effective. Instead, he has shifted his focus to national-level advocacy as the NEA (National Education Association) Director, California District 2, where he can continue to support educators and drive meaningful change for Latinx students.

Malinalli Lopez: Champion for Working-Class Families

Malinalli Lopez's journey began with her parents, both agricultural workers, and her mother's involvement in a bilingual school. A first-generation student, Lopez graduated from UC Berkeley and pursued her dream of attending film school at the Academy of Art in San Francisco. She now teaches Chicano and Latino Studies courses at Sonoma State University, where she continues to explore themes of representation and culture. Her personal experiences, particularly as a mother of a student who struggled in school, inspired her to run for a position on the school board. Lopez has been a vocal advocate for increasing diversity among faculty and staff, recognizing the lack of representation for working-class Latinx families in educational institutions.

[Related: Empowering Young Voters this November - Vote on Campus]

As the current president of the Windsor school board, Lopez has made equity a cornerstone of her platform. She views equity not just as equal access to resources but as ensuring that each student has what they need to succeed. Lopez has also been a strong proponent of alternatives to expulsion, advocating for policies that provide social services and pathways for students to return to school. Her daughter's reminder that, “Mom, you are the only one representing us,” continues to fuel her dedication to ensuring that working-class Latinx families have a voice in educational policy decisions.

Latinx Representation in Sonoma County: A Growing Presence

Sonoma County’s Latinx population, according to the 2020 census, makes up 29% of the county’s residents. However, Latinx individuals only account for 7% of the representation in city, county, and judicial roles. This underrepresentation is more striking in light of the fact that in areas like Santa Rosa, nearly 60% of the student population is Latinx, while 80% of the board is also Latinx. In Windsor, half of the students are Latinx, but the board only has 40% Latinx representation.

A key issue preventing more significant political representation is the inability to vote. One-third of Latino adults are either legal residents or undocumented, meaning they are ineligible to vote despite being part of the community and often deeply invested in local issues. Caroline Bañuelos, CCE Community Partnership Coordinator and candidate for Santa Rosa City Council, District 5, who also served as the panel moderator, highlights the reality for many Latinx families: “The thing about the Latino population is that we are constantly the first generation... If we aren't citizens, we can't vote."

Moving Forward: Representation, Equity, and the Power of the Vote

The discussions around Latinx voting and representation are complex, but leaders like Flores and Lopez demonstrate the power and importance of civic engagement. Both have made it their mission to bridge gaps—whether through advocating for better policies, increasing faculty diversity, or supporting educators and students. They also serve as a reminder of the importance of ensuring that all voices, especially those of the Latinx community, are heard in shaping the future of education and local governance in Sonoma County.

While the challenge of voter eligibility remains a barrier for many Latinx residents, the community’s contributions to local discussions and policies will continue to grow. Leaders like Flores and Lopez serve as inspiring examples of how dedication and passion can make a difference, even when faced with systemic challenges.