DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and DNC Latino Caucus Chair Iris Martinez released the following statement to commemorate Cinco de Mayo:

“During the Battle of Puebla, a small group of soldiers, outnumbered 3 to 1, defeated Napoleon’s French Foreign Legion and successfully defended Puebla, a small town in Central Mexico. Today, we celebrate this victory every year on Cinco de Mayo. Over the years, Cinco de Mayo has expanded throughout the United States, where approximately 37.2 million Hispanics are of Mexican origin and where generations of Mexican-Americans have created vibrant communities, started businesses, and grown their families. Most importantly, they have built a home.

“Cinco de Mayo’s recognition and celebration in the United States symbolizes the deep ties between our two nations and the importance of Mexican-American people throughout U.S. history and culture. Mexican-Americans have been present since the founding of our nation and enrich our country every day. 

“As we celebrate this day, we also reflect on what is at stake in this year’s election. While Donald Trump spews dangerous and hateful rhetoric against the Latino community, President Biden and Vice President Harris continue to fight for Mexican-American families and the broader Latino community, from a nearly 40 percent cut in the Latino child poverty rate to kickstarting a small business boom that has led to Latino entrepreneurs starting new businesses at the fastest rate in over a decade. 

“This year, we are honoring Cinco de Mayo as a critical reminder that our nation’s strength lies in our diversity, not in spite of it.”