A new organization, Latino Democrats of New York City (LDNYC), has officially launched with the goal of increasing Latino representation in local politics across the city’s five boroughs. The organization was founded in October 2025 and recognized last month as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit. Jamey Battle, the group’s president, stated that LDNYC aims to develop future leaders and enhance community involvement. Currently, the organization has about 200 members.
During her years of involvement with various Democratic clubs and women’s organizations, Battle often reflected on the lack of Latino representation in those spaces. “I kept thinking, where are the other Latinos? How can I bring them into this space?” she remarked. Her realization led her to establish a platform specifically centered around Latino voices and experiences.
On October 21, LDNYC celebrated its new nonprofit status with an inaugural event titled “Primera Noche” held at Lighthouse Rooftop in Long Island City, Queens. The gathering attracted elected officials, community leaders, and supporters. Attendees included Claire Valdez, who is set to represent Brooklyn and Queens in Congress, as well as newly elected Assembly members Brian Romero from Woodside and Jackson Heights, and Queens Assembly members Catalina Cruz and Steven Raga.
The evening featured speeches, awards, and discussions focusing on increasing Latino political participation. One speaker shared personal insights about their Salvadoran mother who arrived in the United States undocumented, highlighting challenges such as workplace exploitation and immigration enforcement that shape their advocacy work.
According to the Pew Research Center, Latinos constitute approximately 2.2 million eligible voters in New York State, making them the largest ethnic and racial group after white voters. Battle noted that the launch of LDNYC represents a crucial opportunity to empower Latino New Yorkers and forge a stronger network of leaders within the community.
This initiative arrives as the Democratic Party celebrates recent midterm election victories, including wins for candidates endorsed by LDNYC. “I’m really excited for the next few years, [focusing on] mobilizing and energizing the Latino community in New York City,” Battle expressed, emphasizing the importance of building political power within the Latino population.
