The 2026 Midterms and What's Next for Latino Political Power

In the immediate aftermath of the 2026 midterms, Latino voters are once again center stage in the national political landscape. The UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute and UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs invite you to a timely post-election conversation bringing together experts in political strategy and advocacy to break down the immediate takeaways from the election.

Expanding beyond national headlines, the panel will also highlight California’s post-election outlook, exploring how communities are responding to the results and preparing for future legislative and leadership milestones. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain timely insights into the evolving role of civic engagement and representation in California and beyond.

Event will include welcome and opening remarks from:

• Amada Armenta — Faculty Director, UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute
• Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris — Dean of the Luskin School of Public Affairs at UCLA

Followed by a panel discussion featuring:

• Maria Elena Salinas (Moderator) — Independent Journalist
• Dr. Efrén Pérez, — Professor of Political Science and Psychology at UCLA and Director of the Race, Ethnicity, Politics, and Society (REPS) Lab 
• Mike Madrid — Principal and Co-Founder GrassrootsLab 
• Lizette Escobedo — Vice President of Government Relations & Civic Engagement, Altamed 

Disclaimer
The views or opinions of our guest speakers and the content of their presentations do not necessarily reflect the views of the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs and the UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute. Hosting speakers does not constitute an endorsement of the speaker’s views or opinions.

Tongva Acknowledgement
The UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs and the UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute acknowledge the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (the Los Angeles basin and So. Channel Islands). As a land grant institution, we pay our respects to the Honuukvetam (Ancestors), ‘Ahiihirom (Elders) and ‘Eyoohiinkem (our relatives/relations) past, present and emerging.

Photo Release
By attending this event, you will be entering an area where photography, audio and video recording may occur. With your presence, you authorize the event organizers and its licensees to photograph you, make sound and/or video recordings of you, and use the recordings for marketing, publicity and promotion of this event. Please click on the link for the full UCLA Luskin Notice of Filming Release.

Event venue & nearby stays

Candela La Brea, 831 South La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

Get the app →

Discover more events by tag