Major Latino civil rights organization in disarray after botched election

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the country’s oldest Hispanic civil rights organization, is struggling to serve its constituents amid an ongoing power struggle in its leadership ranks.

The fight stems from a postponed leadership election at the group’s yearly national convention, held in July in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

At the convention, an 11th-hour temporary restraining order was issued by a judge in Texas blocking the election, where National President Domingo García was facing long odds for reelection in a house packed with supporters of Juan Carlos Lizardi, his opponent.

“The next LULAC convention is not until the end of July 2023 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and so for us, this is absolutely an unnecessary distraction from the work that needs to happen,” said LULAC CEO Sindy Benavides.