LOS ANGELES, CA – The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO)
issued the following statement regarding Harris County (Texas) Commissioner and NALEO President
Sylvia R. Garcia’s re-election effort:

“The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) is saddened that NALEO President Sylvia R. Garcia lost her re-election bid in a closely contested race for Harris County Commissioner representing Precinct 2.

Commissioner Garcia was the first Hispanic and the first woman to be elected in her own right to the Harris County Commissioners Court, and served honorably for eight years.

NALEO joins countless others in thanking NALEO President Sylvia Garcia for her service to the people of Harris County, Texas and the nation in her capacity as a member of the Harris County Commissioners Court. Her invaluable efforts have improved the lives of many. President Garcia had previously served the public as Houston City Controller, and Director and Presiding Judge of Houston’s Municipal Court system for an unprecedented five terms under two mayors.

The election results do not affect her term as NALEO President, which runs through June of next year. We look forward to continuing to work with President Garcia at NALEO to further our work of empowering the Latino community across the country.”