Gabe Esparza for North Carolina

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On Super Tuesday, Gabe Esparza watched the primary election results roll in, hoping he’d make it one step closer in the race for state treasurer thus becoming the first Latino elected for statewide office in North Carolina. While Gabe Esparza didn’t win his race, politicians, advocates, and organizers agree that North Carolina is entering a new chapter, one in which Latino candidates and voters have the potential to emerge as a powerhouse. Latinos have been the fastest growing demographic in North Carolina since the 1990s and they are expected to account for 14% of the state’s population by 2050. The number of eligible Latino voters has also more than doubled in recent years, from 160,000 in 2010 to 388,000 in 2022. Latinos’ rising strength in numbers across the South is of tremendous political importance because where the South is headed is one of the nation’s most pressing political questions. But the $100 million question is not only how these Latinos will become politically activated, but who will politically activate them? You can read the full article in the #linkinbio 📝Words by Tina Vasquez 📸Images by Roderico Yool Díaz 🖋️Edited by Fernanda Santos

After 9 months on the campaign trail, nothing like a little rest and recovery on Mexico’s beautiful Yucatán peninsula - with pristine beaches, Mayan ruins, and mysterious cenotes (sinkholes) great for a swim in the jungle. Couldn’t be more thankful than to have my family with me to help recharge the batteries as we start thinking about what’s next. , , , ,

Last night our quest to become the next NC State Treasurer came to an end after coming up short in the primary race. I am proud of the race we ran, and so very fulfilled with the amazing life experience that goes along with being a candidate for statewide office. I look forward to finding other ways to remain involved in the political process and walking through all the new doors that have opened as a result of what we’ve accomplished. But today is one of simple gratitude – gratitude for everyone who supported this campaign with their time, their talents and their generous financial support. Special thanks goes to my wife and family where I am also reminded of the larger role I play as a father – and the example I set for my two teenagers in light of these results by taking stock of the lessons learned from the experience, putting everything into proper perspective, and by being resilient in the face of adversity. Onwards and upwards!

Democracy in action today talking to North Carolinians who are exercising the power of the vote. What a beautiful day!

Beautiful morning and off to a good start at the polls. Great to see people exercising the civic duty and voting!

Beautiful morning and off to a good start at the polls. Great to see people exercising the civic duty and voting!

The run up to the election culminated last night with a great event at the restaurant Machu Pichu in Pineville. Thanks to Natalia Silva silva for hosting and bringing out a great crowd. Let’s win this!

Honored to be a guest of Rev. Dr Ricky Woods of First Baptist Church (West) in Charlotte this morning for Sunday services.

The Dilworth Tennis Group has been convening every Saturday and Sunday morning for over 50 years - originally founded by Black and Jewish leaders who were excluded from Charlotte country clubs. Today the group represents a wonderful cross-section of society coming together to enjoy a simple game of tennis on our public courts. I always enjoy joining my spunky mother-in-law for the ocasional game and just hanging out with friends.

Doing our part to increase Latino voter turnout. Thanks to HOLA News and Juan Carlos Velilla for highlighting our efforts. Juan Carlos Velilla https://holanews.com/finalizo-la-votacion-anticipada-en-carolina-del-norte/

Great to meet with faith leaders to discuss how the Treasurer can be a force for good in the community.