LOS ANGELES – MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) mourns the passing of Richard Alatorre, one of California’s most influential Latino politicians. He died Tuesday in Los Angeles at the age of 81.
Alatorre was a member of the California State Assembly from 1973 to 1985. While in Sacramento, he played a key role in ensuring legislative and congressional reapportionment provided Latinos greater political representation.
After he left the State Assembly, Alatorre served on the Los Angeles City Council until 1999. In 2019, MALDEF honored Alatorre with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Please attribute the following statement to Thomas A. Saenz, president and general counsel of MALDEF:
“Richard Alatorre's vision and hard work created new opportunities for the Latino community and for Latino candidates, changing California politics permanently. Latino political empowerment would be much further behind without his accomplishments four decades ago.”
Please attribute the following statement to Ambassador Vilma Martinez, president and general counsel of MALDEF from 1973 to 1982:
“Richard Alatorre was one of California’s most influential politicians. He was a champion for the rights of the underserved and the undercounted. His work with the state Assembly Committee on Elections and Reapportionment ensured that in California every vote counts.”
Please attribute the following statement to Antonia Hernandez, president and general counsel of MALDEF from 1985 to 2004:
“Richard was a smart and strategic thinker who understood that redistricting was key to ensuring greater political representation for the Latino community. He helped MALDEF secure access to computer programs and data that played a critical role in helping draw fair redistricting maps. He remained an ally during his time in Sacramento and on the City Council.”