1967 — Present
Nearly six decades
of Hispanic Republican
leadership.
An American political organization founded in 1967 to promote Hispanic-American issues and interests within the Republican Party, and the Party's principles and candidates within the Hispanic-American community.
1967
Thirteen men, one meeting
An informal meeting in Washington, D.C. brought together thirteen Hispanic-American men from Florida, California, Texas, New Jersey, Michigan and other states to discuss how to increase Hispanic political involvement. Five of them — Ben Fernandez, Manuel Lujan, Fernando Oaxaca, Martin Castillo and Francisco Vega — bonded over shared World War II service and political conviction and formed the Republican National Hispanic Council. Fernandez was selected as its first president.
1968
The Assembly is named
The organization was renamed the Republican National Hispanic Assembly, with Fernandez as National Chairman. Without formal acknowledgment from the Party, the group began organizing chapters in their home and surrounding states, and raised more than $400,000 by the end of the year.
1972
A national turnout effort
Key RNHA personnel helped form the Spanish Speaking Committee for the Re-Election of President Nixon, an effort credited with an integral role in garnering more than 35% of the Hispanic vote — a substantial improvement over the previous three election cycles.
1974
Chartered by the RNC
In meetings held with the Spanish Speaking Advisory Committee in Crystal City, Virginia from July 11–13, 1974, the RNHA was formally recognized and chartered by the Republican National Committee. Since that time it has been the only Hispanic Republican group officially affiliated with the Republican Party.
1976
The first Annual Banquet
The RNHA began raising its public profile with Annual Banquets. President Gerald Ford delivered the keynote address at the first such event on July 29, 1976.
1995
Hispanic Heritage Leadership Breakfast
The Hispanic Heritage Leadership Breakfast series was added to the organization's national calendar.
2009
Pressing the Party
Leaders of several prominent Republican and Republican-leaning Hispanic organizations, including the RNHA, pressed the RNC for greater Hispanic participation at the highest levels of the Party, and convened a conference on the future of Hispanics in the GOP.
Today
A new era of organizing
State charters are being organized and certified across four national regions, with new chapters forming for the cycles ahead.