César Chávez Scandal & Illinois Primary Exposes Political Blind Spot

Breaking news shakes the Latino community as a bombshell New York Times investigation into César Chávez forces a major moment of reckoning. Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid react in real time and unpack what these disturbing allegations mean for Latino political identity, labor history, and how we honor movements without deifying individuals.

Then, the guys break down the Illinois Senate primary results: Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton edges out Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi in a stunning upset — and Chuck is fired up that in a race where $50 MILLION was spent, virtually nothing went toward Spanish-language Latino outreach. They compare it directly to the winning strategy used in Texas and explain exactly why Democrats keep making the same mistake.

Plus — Republicans are quietly panicking. New focus groups and internal polling show the GOP may be in serious trouble with Latino voters after their post-election honeymoon collapsed in record time.

And finally, Chuck and Mike make their BIGGEST announcement yet: The Latino Vote Summit is happening June 23rd in Washington, D.C. — an invite-only, one-day convening of Latino leaders across business, labor, and politics. Don't miss how to get on the list.

-

Recorded March 18, 2026

-

Referenced in the episode:

• The New York Times - Cesar Chavez, a Civil Rights Icon, Is Accused of Abusing Girls for Years: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/18/us/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations-ufw.html
• The New York Times - Who Is Dolores Huerta, the Activist Accusing Chavez?: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/18/us/dolores-huerta-cesar-chavez-allegations-ufw.html
• NPR - Illinois Primary Election Results 2026: https://apps.npr.org/primary-election-results-2026/states/IL.html
• NPR - Democrats set a turnout record in Texas, so is this the year it turns blue?: https://www.npr.org/2026/03/13/nx-s1-5745932/texas-primary-democrats-turnout-talarico-crockett
• Punchbowl News - The Latino vote could crush Republicans: https://punchbowl.news/article/house/latino-vote-gop/
• Statement from the UFW Foundation: https://ufwfoundation.org/statement-from-the-ufw-foundation

-

Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!

Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcast

Find us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcast

Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_Vote

Visit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.vote

If you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!