ACDC Latino Caucus Launches

The Allegheny County Democratic Committee has launched its new Latino Caucus, establishing a permanent countywide structure dedicated to expanding Latino representation, civic engagement and political leadership.

The inaugural celebration, on Sept 24 at Las Palmas, in Pittsburgh’s Beechview neighborhood, brought together Latino residents, community leaders, small-business owners, civic organizations, elected officials and allies — for an evening of music, food, dancing, cultura and comunidad.

The caucus is designed to turn growing Latino civic participation into sustained political influence. Its work will include voter education and registration, outreach to communities that have historically been underrepresented in local politics, leadership development, recruitment of Latino candidates and volunteers, and advocacy for Latino priorities in county and municipal decision-making.

“The Democratic Party is strongest when every community has a meaningful voice and a clear path to leadership,” said Kate Garfinkel, Chair of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee. “The Latino Caucus reflects ACDC’s commitment to listening, welcoming new leaders and creating lasting opportunities for Latino residents to help shape our party and the future of Allegheny County.”

The caucus is co-chaired by Susan Baida and Grisel Campos. Its inaugural executive team also includes Caelan Hidalgo-Schick, Vice Chair; Edgar Largaespada, Secretary; and Jaime Martinez, Treasurer.

Beechview, the location for the caucus’s launch, is a neighborhood with a strong Latino presence and a vibrant network of immigrant families, entrepreneurs and small businesses. Recent immigration-enforcement activity in the area has heightened concerns among residents and immigrant advocates, making the location especially significant.

By holding its first public event at Las Palmas, the caucus is signaling that its work will be rooted in the communities it seeks to represent.

“Beechview is a place where Latino families, entrepreneurs and neighbors have built community and created opportunity,” said Grisel Campos, Co-Chair of the ACDC Latino Caucus. “Launching here is a statement of solidarity and a commitment to show up where people live, work and organize. We want this caucus to be visible, accessible and accountable to Latino communities across Allegheny County.”

The launch comes during Hispanic Heritage Month and reflects a growing focus on Latino participation in Pennsylvania’s civic and political institutions. The caucus will provide an ongoing vehicle for voter outreach, community listening, leadership development and engagement beyond election cycles.