Recap: 2025 CHCI Swearing-in Ceremony & Welcome Reception

Highlighting the most powerful moments from the 2025 CHCI Swearing-in Ceremony and Welcome Reception

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the 2025 CHCI Swearing-in Ceremony and Welcome Reception! We were proud to convene Members of Congress, cabinet secretaries, administration officials, ambassadors, corporate executives, mission partners, and emerging leaders to officially welcome Hispanic members of the 119th Congress and celebrate the progress we have made to enhance Latino representation at the highest levels of our country’s political leadership. 

The evening began with a pre-reception, where we were joined by distinguished CHC members and partners that support our work. The program was kicked off by Fin Gómez, Political Director at CBS News, who served as emcee for the evening. 

After a special rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by Elena La Fulana, CHCI President and CEO Marco A. Davis took the stage to deliver welcome remarks and highlight the historic significance of the largest-ever membership in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus — with 43 Hispanic/Latino lawmakers in the House and Senate.  

We were then joined by the Honorable Kenia Seoane López, Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, CHCI Alum, and 2022 Distinguished Alumnus Medallion of Excellence recipient, who administered the oath of office, swearing in the members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and its leadership.

Next, incoming CHC Chair and outgoing CHCI Chair, Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) officially passed the gavel to CHC Deputy Chair and new CHCI Chair, Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09), who delivered inspiring remarks on his vision for the organization and everything it can accomplish. 

Following that powerful moment, our guests were treated to a special visit by Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, and SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, who offered reflections. These leaders – along with Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, who was not able to attend – have been at the forefront of our country’s political leadership over the past four years and constitute the largest number of Latinos to serve together in a presidential cabinet. 

We thank them for their inspiring efforts in securing a brighter future for all Americans. 

The evening concluded with moving words from Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33).  

Present at the 2025 Swearing-in Ceremony were members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, as well as several other members of Congress, including:
Chair of the House Democratic Caucus Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33)
Rep. Nydia Velázquez (NY-7)
Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-38)
Rep. Jim Costa (CA-21)
Rep. Joaquín Castro (TX-20)
Rep. Nanette Barragán (CA-44)
Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)
Rep. Vicente González (TX-34)
Rep. Darren Soto (FL-9)
Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-4)
Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49)
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14)
Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-3)
Rep. Maxwell Frost (FL-10)
Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-6)
Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-2)
Rep. Pablo José Hernández Rivera (PR)
Rep. Gil Cisneros (CA-31)
Rep. Nellie Pou (NJ-9)
Rep. Emily Randall (WA-6) 
Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5)
Rep. Gabe Amo (RI-1) 

Our hearts go out to the families and communities impacted by the fires in California and our thoughts are with the Members who could not be present at yesterday’s ceremony because they were called to attend to official duties in their home state. 

Our post-ceremony celebration was full of smiles, connections, and reunions. Thank you to DJ Xplosive and our media partner El Zol for leading us throughout the evening with high energy and an atmosphere of celebration.

Thank you to everyone who joined us. We look forward to seeing you at our next event!