FRESNO, CA – Candidate for California State Assembly District 23, Aileen Rizo, has received the endorsement of Emilio and Dolores Huerta. Democrat, Aileen Rizo is running to unseat incumbent Republican, Jim Patterson for the California State Assembly seat representing portions of Fresno and Tulare counties.
Emilio Huerta, the son of labor and California icon Dolores Huerta, is a Bakersfield attorney and activist for workers’ rights and issues affecting low-income families of the San Joaquin Valley. Endorsing Aileen, Emilio stated: “In taking a stand against discrimination and fighting for equal rights and equal pay for women, Aileen has demonstrated extreme courage and leadership. We here in the Valley are fortunate to have such a terrific and strong candidate who is willing to fight for our community.” Emilio gave his endorsement after a series of meetings with Rizo earlier this summer. Rizo champions many of the same issues that the Huerta family has advocated for: workers’ rights, equal pay for women and people of color, and clean drinking water for everyone in California.
Dolores Huerta co founded the United Farm Workers union along with Cesar Chavez in 1962. Before and since then she has worked tirelessly to correct economic injustice, lobby local governments to address the needs of disadvantaged parts of California, encourage voter registration, advocate for safe working conditions and fair pay for farm workers, and much more. Her legacy has sparked activism in her family and in countless people throughout the United States. Dolores Huerta’s endorsement of Aileen Rizo is a testament to the importance of Aileen’s advocacy for women and families in California and beyond. Dolores Huerta supports Aileen’s vision for the people of Assembly District 23 and looks forward to seeing her in Sacramento advocating for the people of Fresno, Clovis, Sanger, and all areas of the district. Dolores stated: “Aileen is the type of leader we need in Sacramento. She is fearless and is willing to take-on the historical institutional barriers which have held back women and our community.”
Aileen is honored to receive the endorsement of two of the most revered workers’ rights advocates in our nation’s history