Statements from AAPI members of Congress from California on the passing of labor leader Dolores Huerta on Oct. 28 at the age of 96:
Rep. Mark Takano (D-Riverside): “Today, the world has lost a leader and a civil rights legend. Dolores Huerta fought tirelessly throughout her life to advance civil rights through her work with the United Farm Workers, advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to organize.
“As we continue to fight for workers’ rights, let us remember her famous quote, ¡Sí, se puede! — a reminder that through advocacy and nonviolent collective action, systemic injustice can be dismantled.”
Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento): “We have lost an American hero with the passing of Dolores Huerta. Dolores changed the course of our nation’s history. In the fields of the Central Valley and in our State Capitol here in Sacramento, she faced down entrenched opposition on behalf of the workers who put food on America’s tables. And she won, securing rights and protections they had been denied for far too long.
“She embodied the very best of California – the conviction that ordinary people, organized and determined, can change what others insisted never would. Her words, Sí, se puede, remain our call to action, and her legacy lives on in every person who marches for a better future.
“It was an honor to know her. Our state is fairer and stronger because of her courage. My prayers are with all of Dolores’ family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Rep. Judy Chu (D-Pasadena): “I’m heartbroken by the passing of one of my heroes, Dolores Huerta. She was the true definition of a champion, co-founding the United Farm Workers and helping win farmworkers in California the right to unionize. She taught generations that Sí se puede.
“Her legacy lives on in every worker who has found a voice in the fight for their rights.”
Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Torrance): “Dolores Huerta dedicated her life to fighting for others. As co-founder of the United Farm Workers of America, she championed farm workers’ rights and helped advance the labor movement across industries. Her decades of advocacy transformed the lives of farm workers and helped pave the way for greater labor protections nationwide.
“Huerta was also a passionate advocate for immigrants, minorities, LGBTQ+ people, and women. She faced beatings, arrests, and death threats – but never wavered in her fight for a better and more just future for all.
“My condolences go out to her family and loved ones. Dolores Huerta’s legacy of advocacy, compassion, and determination will endure for generations to come.”
Rep. Derek Tran (D-Cypress): “I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Dolores Huerta. As co-founder of the United Farm Workers, Huerta was a courageous trailblazer, devoting her life to advocating for farm-workers, women, and immigrant communities.
“Her legacy will never be forgotten. It will endure through the movements she helped build and the generations she inspired.”
Rep. Dave Min (D-Costa Mesa): “Dolores Huerta was a living legend who devoted her life to making the American Dream possible for so many in this country. Her incredible and courageous work on behalf of workers, immigrants, and women transformed the labor movement and gave new voice to survivors of sexual assault, while inspiring generations of Americans, including me, to fight for an America that delivered on its promise of liberty and justice FOR ALL.
“It was such an incredible honor to be able to speak with her and occasionally work with her over the past few years.
“Rest in power, Dolores. Si se puede!”
Rep. Ami Bera (D-Sacramento): “Janine and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Dolores Huerta, a towering voice who dedicated her life to fighting for dignity and opportunity for all.
“As co-founder of the United Farm Workers, she helped generations of farmworkers secure better pay, safer working conditions, and greater protections in the workplace. Her tireless organizing changed California and our nation for the better.
“Our thoughts are with her family, loved ones, and the countless people she inspired.”
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Santa Clara): “Dolores Huerta has passed away from cancer at 96. She was a founder of what became the United Farm Workers and an inspiration for generations of organizers.
“Her courageous leadership in civil disobedience set an invaluable example in nonviolence. Dolores’s memory will live on.”