California Latino leaders back Anna Caballero for state treasurer

By AI, Created 7:21 PM UTC, May 28, 2026, /AGP/ – Latino groups and elected leaders across California are endorsing state Sen. Anna Caballero for treasurer, citing her record on working-family issues and her pledge to block state dollars from funding ICE. Caballero, a former Salinas mayor and longtime state lawmaker, is positioning herself as the first Latina elected to statewide office in California.

Why it matters: - Latino organizations and elected leaders are rallying behind Anna Caballero in a race that could make her the first Latina elected to statewide office in California. - The endorsement push centers on how California manages taxpayer money, including Caballero’s plan to stop state funding for ICE. - Supporters say Caballero’s background gives her a working-family perspective on how the treasurer’s office should handle public dollars.

What happened: - Latino groups and leaders across California endorsed state Sen. Anna Caballero for state treasurer. - The endorsements came from lawmakers, caucus leaders, local Democratic clubs and labor organizations. - Caballero’s supporters include Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, the California Latino Legislative Caucus, Latinas Lead California, Central Valley Latino Democrats and Avance Democratic Club. - Other endorsers include Sen. Lena Gonzalez, Assemblymembers Juan Carrillo and Liz Ortega, and dozens of elected Latino officers across California.

The details: - Caballero was the first woman elected mayor of Salinas. - Caballero was the first Latina to represent her Assembly district and her Senate district. - Caballero has more than 30 years in public service. - Her past roles include mayor of Salinas, a cabinet member for Gov. Jerry Brown, state assemblymember and state senator. - Caballero was born into a family of copper miners. - Supporters say that upbringing shaped her view of hard work and the need to make every dollar count. - Caballero’s campaign says more information about her plan is available on the campaign website. - The endorsement list also includes the California Conference of Carpenters, the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, the California State Association of Electrical Workers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, Pipeliners and HVACR Technicians UA Local 246 and the California Democratic Legislative Women’s Caucus.

Between the lines: - The endorsement rollout ties Caballero’s campaign to both Latino political power and organized labor. - The focus on ICE funding turns a state financial race into a broader fight over California’s values and spending priorities. - Caballero’s history of breaking barriers is being used as both a biography and a political argument.

What’s next: - Caballero’s campaign is likely to keep leaning on endorsements and her long public-service record as the race develops. - The treasurer contest may draw more attention if candidates continue to frame state finances around immigration and social-policy priorities. - Caballero would make history again if elected statewide in California.