Washington House Democrats Members of Color Caucus

04/30/2026

This week’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to weaken the federal Voting Rights Act is deeply concerning and damaging to our democracy. The Voting Rights Act was hard fought and won through the leadership and sacrifice of Black Americans and communities of color, and it has long served as a cornerstone of fair and competitive elections in our country.

While the full impacts are still unfolding, one thing is clear, it introduces real uncertainty for voting rights protections here in Washington state, especially for communities that have historically faced barriers to the ballot.

We anticipated moments like this.

Full statement: https://housedemocrats.wa.gov/mocc/2026/04/30/protecting-the-freedom-to-vote-washingtons-response-to-a-weakened-voting-rights-act/

03/24/2026

The fight for dignity and justice for farmworkers is far from over.

We stand with Dolores Huerta and the movement. 💙
https://tinyurl.com/CortesLDCDH

The Washington State Latino Democratic Caucus released the following statement on Dolores Huerta’s recent revelations and the future of the farmworker movement /// FOLLOW LINK: https://tinyurl.com/CortesLDCDH /// El Caucus Demócrata Latino del Estado de Washington emitió la siguiente declaración sobre las recientes revelaciones de Dolores Huerta y el futuro del movimiento de trabajadores del campo

03/24/2026

03/12/2026

Yesterday the Washington State Legislature passed the Millionaire’s Tax, a tax of 9.9% on income over $1 million per year, beginning in 2029. The change is a monumental improvement for tax fairness in our state, asking the wealthiest among us to share more equitably in the responsibility of funding the critical programs and services on which we all rely, while also providing tax relief for Washington’s working families and small businesses.

Full statement: https://housedemocrats.wa.gov/blog/2026/03/12/members-of-color-caucus-statement-on-passage-of-the-millionaires-tax/

01/29/2026

The Washington State House Members of Color Caucus is committed to protecting the people of our state and protecting our democracy. This year we’re focused on voting rights, food access, juvenile justice reform, judicial reform, and protections for workers regardless of citizenship or place of work. At a time when communities of color are facing increased threats and violence we are fighting back through solidarity, stronger communities, and a state government that recognizes the inherent dignity of all people.

01/12/2026

Opening day of the 2026 legislative session featured members from the Squaxin Island Tribe, or People of the Water, who have stewarded the South Puget Sound for thousands of years.

Thank you to the Squaxin Island Tribe for blessing our opening ceremonies today. The Squaxin are the native people of South Puget Sound, or the People of the water, who stewarded the waters of the Salish Sea and surrounding lands for thousands of years. It was an honor to receive their blessing today as the legislature convenes to do the work of the people of Washington. Pictured with Rep. Representative Debra Lekanoff!

01/10/2026

The MOCC has issued a statement in response to the UW study on the use of state databases for federal immigration enforcement and the escalation of violence by ICE. You can read it here:

MOCC Statement on UW Study Regarding Agency Collaboration with ICE January 10, 2026 OLYMPIA — Over the last decade the state has passed laws and policies meant to protect immigrant Washingtonians from being targeted, including the Keep Washington Working Act the legislature passed in 2017. However...

12/06/2025

The MOCC has released a statement condemning President Trump’s Latest Hateful, Racist, and Xenophobic Statement. You can read it here:

MOCC Statement on President Trump’s Latest Hateful, Racist, and Xenophobic Statement December 6, 2025 OLYMPIA — The Washington State House of Representative Members of Color Caucus strongly condemns the recent hateful, racist, and xenophobic federal rhetoric that is directly targeting immigrant ...

08/19/2025

“Washington state will not be bullied. We will not be intimidated. We will not allow fear to dictate the way we treat our neighbors.” - Rep. Julio Cortés at today's press conference to protest letters sent by U.S. Attorney Pam Bondi threatening the governor, the mayor of Seattle, and other officials with possible criminal prosecution.

“Pam Bondi is wrong. The overwhelming majority of immigrants in our state abide by the law, are hardworking, help our economy grow, and pay taxes. Washington remains—and will continue to be—a beacon of inclusion and fairness. We are committed to protecting all our residents because when everyone is valued and secure, our state not only endures—it flourishes. Pam Bondi wants fear. Washington state wants fairness.” - Representative Lillian Ortiz-Self

Read more or watch the press conference:

Members of Color Caucus stands united against federal threats August 19, 2025 OLYMPIA—Rep. Julio Cortes (D-Everett) spoke at Gov. Bob Ferguson’s press conference to protest letters sent by U.S. Attorney Pam Bondi threatening the governor, the mayor of Seattle, and other officials with possible c...

07/09/2025

MOCC members stand united in condemning reprehensible rhetoric from anyone, including elected officials, community leaders, and public figures.

In Solidarity with Native Communities: Lawmakers Condemn Hate Speech, Uplift Justice and Healing July 8, 2025 OLYMPIA—Words have the power to inspire, to heal — and to cause deep harm. We have seen the impact of hate speech in our communities, and more broadly in our national political environme...