Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the National Farm Workers Association, died Wednesday at 96. She worked alongside farm-worker rights advocate Cesar Chavez. Elected officials and party leaders in Texas have since shared tributes.
U.S. Rep. Greg Casar (D-Austin) said in a written statement that he was "heartbroken" by the news. He praised Huerta for decades of work to make the world better for workers, women and immigrants. He said she was "inspiring us until the very end."
Austin City Council Member Vanessa Fuentes said Huerta had made a "huge impression" on her life and that there are not many Latina figures to look up to. Fuentes said she met with Huerta several times. Montserrat Garibay, the Democratic nominee for Texas House District 49, shared photos of the two on social media. Bobby Pulido, the Democratic nominee for Texas' 15th Congressional District, also posted a tribute. Texas Democratic Party Chairman Kendall Scudder said the party hosted Huerta at its state convention in June, where she urged Texas Democrats to organize and vote. He said the party would continue her work.