Speaker Rivas, Assembly Leaders Honor Dolores Huerta’s Life and Legacy

SACRAMENTO - Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas and California's legislative leaders are honoring the life and legacy of civil rights icon and labor activist Dolores Huerta, who passed away on Wednesday.

Speaker Rivas shared a personal tribute to Dolores Huerta, a lifelong family friend, in which he wrote "there would be no Speaker Rivas without Dolores Huerta. She paved the way. She made it possible."

Assembly Leaders Pay Tribute to Dolores Huerta

"California mourns a giant. Dolores Huerta gave voice to the voiceless, dignity to the fields and hope to generations. One of the greatest civil rights leaders in history, she showed us that even in the face of injustice, together we can. Sí, se puede."

- Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas

"Dolores Huerta gave a voice to farmworkers and so many others who often went unheard. Her belief that every person deserved dignity, and that no one should have to struggle alone to provide for their loved ones were inspiring to generations of Californians. Her legacy of lifting up so many people over her lifetime will never be forgotten. On behalf of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, we honor Dolores Huerta's lifetime of advocacy, and extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, loved ones, and all those whose lives she touched."

- Assemblymember Juan Carrillo, current Vice Chair and incoming Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus

"Dolores Huerta leaves behind a powerful legacy. She believed that when workers organize and stand together, they can win dignity and justice. Her fearlessness and commitment to that vision shaped labor history, transformed the lives of millions of migrant workers and farmworkers, and inspired generations of women labor leaders to stand up and join the fight. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family and to all who loved and were inspired by her."

- Assemblymember Liz Ortega, Vice Chair of the California Legislative Latino Caucus

"Dolores Huerta was a force. She wasn't afraid to stand up and fight for farmworkers and their families, and for social justice for all. She never gave up on working people or the movement, and she was willing to do the hard work to make that all happen. We've lost someone special. My heart goes out to her family and everyone who loved her. The world is a better place because of Dolores. We can honor her by looking out for one another and continuing to fight for what's right. That's what Dolores did, and the best way we can honor her is to live our lives with such purpose."

- Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Chair of the California Legislative Women's Caucus

"When we say Dolores Huerta fought for workers rights, we don't mean just once. And we don't mean in just one place. For decades, Dolores challenged government policies and took on powerful industries across the nation on behalf of women, children, and the working poor. She changed laws, she changed how we talk about labor, and she inspired generations of future leaders. The news of her passing has been especially heavy for those of us who have been shaped by her leadership. We mourn this loss but we carry her legacy and her ultimate message: Sí, se puede. Yes, we can. And yes, she did."

- Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus

"Dolores Huerta's lifelong fight for civil rights, workers' rights, and social justice leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations. Her courage and advocacy remind us that the fight for equity and dignity must continue. Our deepest condolences to her loved ones and all those inspired by her work."

- Assemblymember Mike Fong, Chair of the California Asian & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dolores Huerta, a trailblazer whose lifelong fight for justice, dignity, and equality inspired generations of advocates and movements. I had the privilege of meeting with Dolores Huerta multiple times and witnessing firsthand her unwavering commitment to advancing justice across a wide range of issues, from labor rights and privacy protections to immigration justice and LGBTQ+ equality. She was a powerful champion and ally for our community, including our transgender siblings, because she understood that the fight for justice is strongest when we stand alongside one another, particularly in the face of discrimination and injustice. Her legacy of courage, compassion, and solidarity will continue to inspire us, and we have a responsibility to carry her work forward by standing together to build a more just and equitable California for all."

- Assemblymember Chris Ward, Chair of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus

"Dolores Huerta dedicated her life to the belief that every person deserves dignity, justice, and the opportunity to live and work with respect. Her extraordinary legacy of organizing farmworkers and bringing people together across racial, religious, and cultural lines reflects values deeply rooted in both the Latino and Jewish communities. Our communities know the importance of standing up to discrimination and fighting for working families, and Dolores showed us that solidarity is not simply a principle, but a commitment we must put into action every day. We honor her life by carrying forward her work and continuing to build a California where every person is treated with dignity and every community can thrive."

- Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, Chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus

"My condolences to the family and friends of labor leader and human rights activist Dolores Huerta. Her courage and inspirational work led thousands to work toward a brighter and more just future for themselves and their communities. Dolores lived a life in service to others. We thank her for her many sacrifices and her steadfast efforts to build a more just and equitable nation."

- Assemblymember James C. Ramos, Chair of the California Native American Legislative Caucus