Latino Victory Fund Endorses Tony Vargas for Nebraska State House of Representatives

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Latino Victory Fund today announced the endorsement of Tony Vargas, candidate for the Nebraska State House of Representatives, District 07 . If elected, Vargas would be the first Latino elected to the Nebraska House of Representatives.

“Latino Victory is proud to support a talented leader like Tony to ensure that he breaks this crucial glass ceiling for the Latino community in the State of Nebraska,” said César J. Blanco, Latino Victory interim director. “Tony is a talented, seasoned educator and public servant who has fought for his community’s well-being. He will champion the causes and issues that are important for the Latino community and for his entire district. A victory for Tony will increase the number of Latinos elected to serve in state legislatures, and this is an important step in the pathway for equal Latino representation at all levels of government.”

“Latinos are nearly half of my district and 10% of the population in the state overall, yet there is not one Latino serving in the Nebraska Legislature — it’s time for that to change. The nationwide network of support that comes with the Latino Victory Fund’s endorsement will help me, a first-generation Peruvian-American, continue to serve everyone in my community and stand up for hardworking families from all walks of life,” said Tony Vargas.

Tony Vargas is the son of Peruvian immigrants who worked in manufacturing. He began his career as a public school teacher in New York City with Teach for America. His next role was as an instructional and leadership development coach, where he worked with teachers and school leaders across the highest-need public schools in the New York City Department of Education. Vargas was appointed to serve on the New York State Board of Education Professional Teacher Standards and Practices Board, where he advised state leaders on education policy impacting teacher support and development. After moving to Omaha, Vargas won a seat on the Omaha Public Schools Board in 2012 representing the communities of Downtown and South Omaha. He has a bachelor’s degree from University of Rochester and a Master’s in Education from Pace University