Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Brian Romero, New York State Assembly District 34

Four years ago, we wrote up a profile on the candidate for this district. In 2022, that candidate was Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas. At that time, Brian Romero (he/him) was her chief of staff. This year, Jessica decided to run for New York Senate and won her primary in June, and at the same time, Brian ran for Jessica’s Assembly seat, likewise winning the Democratic primary in June.

Brian is a queer Colombian-American millennial and former social worker, psychotherapist, DEI consultant, and social justice activist. Brian has deep roots in his community and is uniquely attuned to the needs of the residents who will be his constituents. Brian’s campaign is held up by three pillars: making the rich pay their fair share, addressing affordability, and protecting our immigrant communities.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 59Andrew FSeptember 29, 2026latinx, latino, latine, Hispanic, gay, queer, #queer, LGBTQ, lgbtq, social justice, queens, ICE awareness, human trafficking, new legislationComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Diana Loya, Texas House of Representatives, District 87

Luckily, a crop of progressive women are challenging the status quo in Texas. One such candidate is Diana Loya (she/her), a Latina millennial educator and mother in the rural Texas Panhandle. As a public school teacher, education is one of the foundations of her campaign, along with a level economic playing field, where government supports the needs of the working class, and not the 1%, and where taxpayer dollars go towards building infrastructure that benefits the people, and not right back into billionaires’ pockets.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 58.2Andrew FJuly 8, 2026Texas, election, election 2026, #election, latina, latinx, Hispanic, mother, motherhood, teachers, educationComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Ericka Kopp, Virginia's 1st Congressional District

Ericka Kopp (she/her), is a multi-racial (Black, Hispanic, and white) bisexual millennial attorney in suburban Richmond. Ericka has worked in the Richmond Public Defender’s Office and Wrongful Convictions Clinic, getting a wrongfully imprisoned man released. A 2026 Courage Candidate, this ice hockey player is centering her campaign on free universal healthcare (Medicare for All) and free public education from pre-K through post-secondary schooling.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 58, zIssue 58.1Andrew FJune 4, 2026Hispanic, latina, latinx, Black, lawyer, election 2026, 2026 election, bisexual, biracialComment

Spicing Up Style: Must-Know Hispanic Brands Killing the Game

Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of culture, community, and the remarkable contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. What better way to honor it than by spotlighting some amazing small businesses that bring flavor, creativity, and heart to everything they do? From bold ideas to beloved family traditions, these entrepreneurs are making big waves — and we’re here for it!

Mustard Service Creates a Sound of Their Own

The Miami based group, Mustard Service, is creating a sound of their own, one they like to call “Zest Pop”. With the recent release of two new singles, an album coming this summer, and talk of even more new music in the future, we’re happy to report that Mustard Service has no plans of slowing down. Beyond the music, one member volunteers some of his time for The Sierra Club’s Inner City Outings program, a program dedicated to taking inner city youth on nature outings. To learn more about Mustard Service and their new music, read on.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.1Eva Elisa WellsMay 30, 2025Miami, music artist, music industry, Music Group, Community, HispanicComment

Tackling Space Travel and LGBTQ Support with Avery Cyrus

Avery Cyrus is a digital content creator based in Palm Beach, Florida. She is one of the top Hispanic LGBTQ creators on social media and known for showcasing her travels, adventures with her girlfriend, and DIY creations on TikTok and Instagram. Avery recently partnered with TikTok to donate $10,000 to the Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization that provides 24/7 crisis support services to LGBTQ young people. One of their main features is the Trevor hotline, where you can reach out via call, text, or chat through their website to speak to a trained counselor. As a strong advocate for LGBTQ youth, Avery has promoted the Trevor Project on her platforms on several occasions. She has also recently teamed up with Space Hero to train like an astronaut and show that space can be accessible for all. Although space travel seems light years away, Avery is hopeful to one day find a safe way to space or even Mars! Read on in her interview with Jejune to hear more about Avery’s platform and future projects!