Senate adopts SR 86 and honors 2026 Latino Spirit awardees

The California State Senate on May 4 adopted Senate Resolution 86, naming May 5 and the surrounding week as a time to recognize Cinco de Mayo’s historical significance and to honor contributions by Latino leaders in California.

Senator Gonzales (chair of the Latino Caucus) presented SR 86 on the floor and highlighted the Battle of Puebla’s role in Mexican history and the continuing contributions of Latino communities across the state. "We recognize Cinco de Mayo because it serves as our Mexican culture, our resilience, and our Latino character," he said. Several members rose in support, including Senator Rubio and members of the Black, LGBTQ+, AAPI and Hispanic caucuses, who framed the resolution as a celebration of shared history and civic engagement.

After adoption, Senator Gonzales introduced the 2026 Latino Spirit award honorees on the floor. The list of honorees named on the record included Lupe Gallegos Diaz (higher education), the Rosales Sisters Scholarship (philanthropy), David Huerta (human rights and labor advocacy), Dr. Sandra Hernandez (health and science), Tamara Giziger (advocacy), Lupe de la Cruz (business), the People’s Collective for Environmental Justice (environmental justice), Ellie Painted Crow (human rights and veterans advocacy), LA Taco (journalism – accepted by Memo Torres), Claudette Zepeda (culinary arts) and Los Tigres del Norte (legacy award). Senators invited each honoree and their guests into the chamber for a group photo.

Why it matters: Members said the resolution and the awards recognize civic engagement, cultural contributions and the role of Latino leaders in public life. The measure passed by recorded vote and the honorees were publicly recognized on the Senate floor.

What happens next: The resolution is ceremonial; awardees will be acknowledged at subsequent events associated with the Latino Caucus and the Senate.