Major Wisconsin Democrats are silent after a bombshell New York Times report outlined child sex assault allegations against the liberal hero.
The New York Times published a major investigative story reporting that César Chávez, the revered founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW) who led the farmworkers’ movement and became a Latino civil rights hero, groomed and sexually abused young girls and women in the union during the 1970s, when he was in his 40s and at the height of his influence.
Two women, Ana Murguia and Debra Rojas (both now 66), who grew up as daughters of longtime UFW organizers and lived at the union’s La Paz headquarters in California, allege Chávez repeatedly sexually assaulted them over several years, starting when they were girls, one as young as 8. They describe grooming, ongoing abuse through their teens, and Chávez telling one victim, “Don’t tell anyone. They’d get jealous.” The investigation also includes an allegation from UFW co-founder Dolores Huerta that Chávez raped her. The Times says it found extensive supporting evidence through on-the-record interviews (the women’s first public accounts), documents, and corroboration from others close to the movement.
The story has already triggered widespread fallout. The UFW and Cesar Chávez Foundation announced they will not participate in annual celebrations of his legacy. March 31 is Cesar Chávez Day in some states. Several events have been canceled, and officials in places like Arizona have withdrawn recognition.
Chávez was such a legendary figure in Democratic Party union politics that even President Biden put a bust of him in the Oval Office. In a previous legislative session, former state representative and democrat candidate for state treasurer JoCasta Zamarripa attempted to make March 31 “César Chávez Day” a state holiday.
Wisconsin State Senator and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Kelda Roys took to Twitter to address the long-deceased civil rights leader.
Now, Kelda, who once adjourned the state senate in honor of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an alleged Salvadorian MS-13 gang member, was quick to distance herself from Chavez, and in a stark knee-jerk overcorrection, claims to have submitted legislation to repeal Wisconsin’s recognition of Cesar Chavez Day, and to honor Dolores Huerta Day on her birthday, April 10, instead.
Other democratic candidates for Governor have so far been silent on the extensively corroborated accusations, leaving up posts celebrating the disgraced icon like this one from Francesca Hong:
County Executive Crowley posted this about the civil rights leader and groomer:
Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez celebrated Chavez as well:
No word yet on whether Mayor Chevy Johnson and Milwaukee leaders plan to revert South 16th Street to its original name or keep Cesar Chavez Drive BID 38 as it is.
