GOP Claims Democrats Want to Erase the Spanish Language
- The Washington State Republican Party texted claims to voters that Democrats want to eliminate the Spanish language.
- The message targeted three Latino Democratic candidates, making various accusatory statements.
- Maria Beltran called the GOP messaging full of lies and criticized their tactics, stating the party should be ashamed.
On November 1, 2024, the Washington State Republican Party sent a text message to Latino voters alleging that Democratic candidates were seeking to eliminate the Spanish language. This message targeted candidates Maria Beltran, Ana Ruiz Kennedy, and Chelsea Dimas, who are all of Latino descent. The claim also included derogatory assertions about the candidates' views on gender and family values, which were labeled as lies by Beltran in a subsequent response. This controversial messaging drew criticism from various individuals, including some within the Republican Party, who deemed such personal attacks unacceptable. The text exchange has sparked a broader discussion about divisive political rhetoric and its potential impact on community relations, especially among Latino voters. Critics argue that this type of messaging can alienate constituents and lead to a deterioration of healthy political engagement.