Two Latina women continue to make history in California politics: Hilda Solís and María Elena Durazo.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solís advanced to the general election on November 2 to face Republican psychologist Pedro Antonio Casas for the 38th Congressional District of the United States.

The District 38 seat became vacant after incumbent Rep. Linda Sanchez (D) decided to run for a seat in California's District 41 — which covers parts of southern Los Angeles County and extends into Orange County — rather than seek re-election in her current district following the passage of Proposition 50.

Previously, Solís, the daughter of a Nicaraguan mother and Mexican father, represented California's 31st and 32nd districts in Congress, prior to serving as Secretary of Labor under the administration of former President Barack Obama.

“I am honored to have earned a spot in the runoff to represent California's 38th District, and I am ready to win this seat in November,” Solís told La Opinión.

"Thank you to the voters of Los Angeles and Orange counties, as well as the volunteers, supporters, union allies, community leaders, elected officials, team members, friends and family who drove this campaign. Together, we have built a broad coalition committed to delivering results for families," he added.

Republican Pedro Antonio Casas will be measured

Hilda Solís indicated that what is at stake in this election could not be more important.

"This district deserves a representative who will stand up to Trump's agenda, defend workers' rights, protect immigrant families, promote women's rights, advance environmental justice and expand economic opportunity. Our communities need a leader who will fight for affordable health care, economic security and dignity for all," he explained.

For her, with 51.83% of the votes (31,373), the message at the polls was clear: “The residents of District 38 want a leader who will protect workers, defend immigrant communities and expand opportunities for all.”

Pedro Antonio Casas obtained 31.69% of the vote (19,185). In the race for a congressional seat, it doesn't matter if a candidate gets more than 50% of the vote. The first two places advance to the second round.

Durazo to the county Board of Supervisors

State Senator María Elena Durazo, the daughter of Mexican immigrants who spent the summers of her youth in the fields of California's Central Valley picking peaches, strawberries and grapes, secured a seat on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in Tuesday's primary elections, precisely in the place that Hilda Solís will leave.

“I am grateful to everyone who knocked on doors, made calls and voted,” Durazo said. “This campaign was fueled by working people and small businesses who believe the county can do things better.”

She added: “In the state Senate, I fought for fair wages and health care, and as county supervisor, I will renew that commitment with urgency, compassion and a promise to make this government serve the people.”

Rejection of more taxes: Measure ER fails

The so-called Essential Services Restoration Act (Measure ER) was rejected by the voters of Los Angeles County: the count indicated 52.74% (666,926 votes) against and 47.26% (597,748) in favor.

The initiative by Supervisors Hilda Solis and Holly Mitchell sought to mitigate the risk of closure of the County's four public hospitals and numerous clinics, as well as mass layoffs of healthcare providers and other service cuts, by implementing a 0.5% (half percent) general sales tax over a 5-year period, which would generate approximately $1 billion annually, subject to independent audits.

“The cost of living is very expensive and I can't pay more taxes,” said Lidia Novelo, a 79-year-old voter. “They are also taking away a lot of medical aid, which in the long run is going to harm us all.”

The rejection of Measure ER came as Los Angeles County faces a massive $662 million shortfall in Department of Health Services funding, driven largely by changes in federal and state policies, including freezes on Medi-Cal enrollment and reductions in federal matching rates. These reductions threaten essential social safety net services across the region.

“This measure was a local response to the health care cuts made by the Trump administration in the so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’, which is dismantling Medicaid and dismantling fundamental parts of the social safety net on which millions of Americans depend,” was the disappointed reaction of Supervisor Solís. In fact, Solís warned that the consequences will be devastating.

"Working families, seniors, people with disabilities, low-income people and some of our most vulnerable residents will lose access to vital health care. Lives will be lost as services are reduced, delayed or eliminated entirely," Solis warned.