The Representative

Later this month, Alfonso Lopez ’92 will make history when he becomes the first Latino/a Democrat—and just the second Latino of any political affiliation—to serve as a delegate in the Virginia General Assembly. “It’s a humbling honor,” he says.

Virginia’s GA is often hailed as the “oldest continuous law-making body in the New World.” It dates back to 1619, an almost 400-year legacy. Its past members include Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington. Despite such longevity, no Latino/a has served at the state level of government. Yet Latinos today account for eight percent of the state’s population and make up its fastest growing minority group...(Read More)