The Enduring Legacy of Gloria Molina: Paving the Way for Latinas in California Politics

California Latina politician Gloria Molina, who broke barriers in local and state politics for over three decades, passed away at 74 years old after a three-year battle with cancer. Molina was the first-ever Latina to serve in the state assembly, the Los Angeles city council, and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. She advocated tirelessly for environmental justice, public health, and fiscal responsibility, and was revered by many as a trailblazer who paved the way for generations of Latinx politicians and community leaders.

Molina’s legacy in politics is particularly significant given that Latinas remain underrepresented in government and face systemic barriers to entry, such as racial and gender bias and the absence of institutional support. According to the Center for American Women and Politics, as of 2021, only 65 Latinas serve in statewide-elected offices across the country, and the majority of them are in local or state-level positions. In California, Latinas only make up about 3% of elected officials. The low representation of Latinas in politics further exacerbates the lack of authentic representation for marginalized Latinx communities in policy-making and governance, where their voices and needs go unheard.

Molina’s impact on politics and community building was profound and far-reaching. In a statement, Karen Bass, the first woman mayor of Los Angeles, described Molina as a force for unapologetic good and transformational change. Molina’s leadership and advocacy for environmental justice were particularly significant; she pioneered efforts to address the environmental racism and health disparities experienced by Latinx and low-income communities living near toxic waste sites and polluting facilities. She also worked to address the lack of access to affordable healthcare and education in marginalized communities.

Molina’s legacy reminds us of the ongoing struggle for equity and justice in government, and the importance of centering the leadership and experiences of historically marginalized communities in policy-making. As we mourn Molina’s passing, we must also honor her life and work by continuing to fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion in all levels of government, and to support and uplift the voices and leadership of Latinas, particularly in places where they have been historically underrepresented.

Rest in power, Gloria Molina. Your legacy lives on.

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