As millions of California voters reject traditional party labels, Latino independents are challenging political assumptions and forcing candidates to compete for support neither party can take for granted.
California’s 22nd Congressional District challenges conventional wisdom about Latino voters, party loyalty, and the political assumptions that shape how campaigns are fought.
Suzette Valladares became the first Latina Republican to serve in both houses of the California Legislature by refusing to treat setbacks as dead ends. In 2025, Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones appointed her caucus whip.
IVP's producer shares her journey from green card to US citizen, revealing how naturalization has become harder under the Trump administration, including processing delays and tense border encounters.
A majority of California Latino voters say they want to keep the nonpartisan Top Two primary or modify it to advance more than two candidates to the general election. They don't want the state to go back to closed primaries.
