(The Center Square) – Latino influence in Washington state politics has been gradually building in the decade since Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self, D-Mukilteo, joined the Legislature in 2014. Ortiz-Self is the chair of the first Latino Caucus, formed in 2023 by 11 House and Senate Democrats.

In 2025, the Center for Latino Leadership hopes to add conservative members to the Legislature to join Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Pasco, and Rep. Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy. Ybarra is currently running unopposed for the 13th Legislative District seat he has held since 2019.