United States House of Representatives: History, Art, & Archives
Search the website

Hispanic Americans in Congress

Since 1822, when Delegate Joseph Marion Hernández of Florida became the first Hispanic American to serve in Congress, a total of 116 Hispanic Americans have served as U.S. Representatives, Delegates, Resident Commissioners, or Senators. This Web site, based on the book Hispanic Americans in Congress, 1822–2012, contains biographical profiles of former Hispanic Members of Congress, links to information about current Hispanic Members, essays on the institutional and national events that shaped successive generations of Hispanic Members of Congress, and images of each individual Member, including rare photos.

Member Profiles

Member Profiles

Read biographical profiles of former Hispanic-American Representatives, Delegates, and Senators that focus on their congressional careers. These profiles also contain suggestions for further reading and references to Members’ manuscript collections.

Hispanic Americans in Congress: An Introduction

Hispanic Americans in Congress: An Introduction

Over the last two centuries, Hispanic Americans have worked their way from the outer edges to the inner rings of power in Congress. They have represented diverse areas from Territorial New Mexico to the island of Puerto Rico. Since 1899, at least one Hispanic American has served in every Congress. These Members make up an important but often over-looked chapter of the American experience.

From Democracy's Borderlands, 1822–1898

From Democracy's Borderlands, 1822–1898

Shaped by America’s continental expansion and its geopolitical upheaval, many of the earliest Hispanic Americans to serve in Congress did so as Delegates from the New Mexico Territory. They often confronted racial prejudices, as well as statutes and House Rules limiting their powers as legislators. Though these Members often served only briefly, they worked to weave the western territories into the national fabric.

“Foreign in a Domestic Sense,” 1898–1945

“Foreign in a Domestic Sense,” 1898–1945

Following the Spanish-American War, the United States gained territories in the Pacific and the Caribbean, forcing Congress to change how it administered the country’s insular affairs. While Puerto Rico’s relationship with the U.S. remained unclear, the creation of the Office of the Resident Commissioner gave the island a modest voice in the House. Other Hispanic Members used influential committee assignments to bolster the economy during the Great Depression, and to articulate common concerns.

Separate Interests to National Agendas, 1945–1977

Separate Interests to National Agendas, 1945–1977

Many Hispanic Members launched trailblazing careers after World War II. While fostering grassroots activism, they expanded the boundaries of U.S. citizenship and protected civil liberties. And with the creation of the Estado Libre Asociado, Puerto Rico’s Resident Commissioner helped the island win a greater measure of self-governance. These bold efforts culminated in the creation of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

Strength in Numbers, Challenges in Diversity, 1977–2012

Strength in Numbers, Challenges in Diversity, 1977–2012

Large-scale demographic changes increased power at the ballot box as nearly 60 percent of all Hispanic Americans to serve in Congress won election after 1977. These Members chaired numerous committees and subcommittees, and served as congressional leaders. They were often at the forefront of key issues: voting rights, bilingual education, foreign policy, and America’s immigration system.

Featured

Featured Member Romualdo Pacheo of California

Featured Member Romualdo Pacheo of California

Constitutional Amendments, Treaties, and Major Legislation Referenced on This Web site

Constitutional Amendments, Treaties, and Major Legislation Referenced on This Web site

Featured Historical Highlights

Featured Historical Highlights

Get the ePublication

Hispanic Americans in Congress, 1822–2012, is available as an ePublication from the Government Printing Office.

Historical Essays

Read essays that provide historical context about four distinct generations of Hispanic Americans in Congress. Among the topics discussed in each essay are institutional developments, legislative agendas, social changes, and national historical events that have shaped the experiences of Hispanic Members of Congress.

Educational Resources

This page features materials designed to help teachers and students use the information presented in Hispanic Americans in Congress in their classrooms.

Historical Data

In this section, users can find tables and appendices of historical data about Hispanic Americans in Congress, including: Hispanic Americans in Congress by Congress; committee and subcommittee leaders; party leadership positions; Puerto Rican political parties; chairmen and chairwomen of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

Artifacts

View artifacts from the House Collection related to the history of Hispanic Americans in Congress, from formal portraits to political campaign buttons.

Map

Use the interactive map to compile information on the representation of Hispanic Americans in Congress, such as the number of Members who served from a particular state or region and when they served.

Glossary

What is the difference between apportionment and realignment? What is a discharge petition? What does the word quorum mean and how does it relate to the House of Representatives? These and other relevant congressional terms are defined in this glossary.

Office of the Historian: history@mail.house.gov
Office of Art & Archives, Office of the Clerk: art@mail.house.gov, archives@mail.house.gov