CHCI Mourns Loss Of Former Congressman And CHCI Chair, Esteban E. Torres

Washington D.C. – The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) offers its sincerest condolences on the passing of former congressman and CHCI Chair, Esteban E. Torres. Torres, who was born in Arizona and grew up in East Los Angeles, CA, inspired countless people, and was known as a renaissance man. In addition to serving in the U.S. Congress, over the course of his life he was a veteran of the Korean War, a union leader, nonprofit executive, statesmen, and accomplished artist. Congressman Torres was first elected to Congress in 1982 to represent California’s 34^th Congressional District, and served as chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and CHCI from 1989 to 1991.

During his first five terms in Congress, Torres served on the House Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs and the Small Business Committees. In 1993, he was named a member of the powerful Appropriations Committee. While in Congress, he also served as a Deputy Whip for the House’s Democratic leadership from 1992 through his retirement in 1999.

Statement from Marco A. Davis, President & CEO of CHCI:

“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of former Congressman Esteban E. Torres – a man whose career on Capitol Hill and beyond helped define Latino influence in U.S. politics. Congressman Torres was first elected to Congress when to do so was groundbreaking. It is thanks to him and his colleagues that the doors for more Latinos to serve in Congress have opened today. We offer our deepest condolences to the Torres family and all who knew him.”