On 60th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, Connecticut Leaders Join National Rally in Boston to Demand Fair Maps

August 7, 2025

Boston, MA — On the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Connecticut’s Deputy Speakers Pro Tempore — Reps. Juan Candelaria, Chris Rosario, and Geraldo Reyes — joined legislative leaders from all 50 states and U.S. territories in Boston to rally against racial gerrymandering and defend the legacy of the civil rights movement.

 

The rally, hosted by Massachusetts House Leader Carlos González, highlighted the urgent need for fair and representative redistricting and honored decades of struggle for voting rights.

 

The three Connecticut leaders, all national Latino legislative leaders, stood in solidarity with Texas House Democrats, who continue their fight for equitable representation.

 

National Leadership Roles:

   •   Rep. Juan Candelaria – President-elect, National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL)

   •   Rep. Chris Rosario – Board Member, Board of Latino Legislative Leaders (BLLL)

   •   Rep. Geraldo Reyes – Eastern Region Chair, NHCSL

 

“Big thanks to Leader Carlos González for standing strong today in Boston,” said Rep. Chris Rosario. “We were proud to represent the Connecticut House Democrats, NHCSL, and BLLL on this historic day—60 years since the Voting Rights Act—and continue the fight to ensure fair maps for all.”

 

“Racial gerrymandering is voter suppression in disguise,” said Rep. Juan Candelaria. “On a day like today, we honor those who came before us by fighting just as hard to make sure every community’s voice is heard.”

 

“This is personal,” added Rep. Geraldo Reyes. “Communities of color are still being silenced by unfair maps. We won’t stop until every vote carries equal weight.”

 

Massachusetts House Leader Carlos González applauded Connecticut’s leadership:

 

“Connecticut stepped up early. Governor Ned Lamont was the first governor in the country to meet with the Texas House Democrats during the very first day of their protest—at the Governor’s Residence,” said González. “That meeting, led by Reps. Rosario, Reyes, and Candelaria, sent a powerful message: Connecticut stands with those defending democracy.”

 

The event was a powerful reminder of the ongoing threats to voting rights and the urgent need to uphold the Voting Rights Act’s legacy with action.