Angelina Cruz

Angelina Cruz is a Democratic politician and educator currently serving as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the 62nd Assembly district. She has made history as the first Latina to represent Racine County in the Wisconsin Legislature. In addition to her legislative role, Cruz is also the president of Racine Educators United, a teachers' union, a position she has held since 2021. Her career reflects a strong commitment to education and advocacy for teachers' rights, shaped by her experiences as a public school teacher and union leader.

Early life and career

Angelina Cruz was born on May 4, 1979, in Racine, Wisconsin, and spent her formative years in the nearby town of Caledonia. She completed her secondary education at St. Catherine's High School in Racine, graduating in 1997. Following high school, Cruz initially enrolled at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she pursued a degree in journalism. However, after her sophomore year, she transferred to the University of Wisconsin–Parkside, where she shifted her academic focus and earned a bachelor's degree in sociology in 2003. During her time at university, she also obtained a certificate in elementary and middle school education.

Cruz began her professional career in education shortly after graduating, securing a position with the Racine Unified School District. Her teaching career commenced in the role of a fifth-grade teacher before she transitioned to Mitchell Middle School. Throughout her teaching tenure, she remained committed to professional development, furthering her education at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where she earned a master's degree in educational policy.

Cruz's involvement with the teachers' union began when she first entered the workforce, but her engagement deepened significantly following the passage of Wisconsin Act 10 in 2011. This legislation, championed by Governor Scott Walker, notably stripped public sector unions of collective bargaining rights, leading to widespread protests at the state capitol. Cruz participated in these demonstrations, which galvanized her interest in union affairs. In 2016, she successfully ran for the presidency of the Racine Education Association, defeating the incumbent president. Under her leadership, the union underwent a significant transformation, culminating in the unification of the Racine Education Association with the Racine Educational Assistants Association in 2021. This merger resulted in the formation of Racine Educators United, with Cruz serving as its president, making her the longest-serving leader in the history of the Racine teachers' union.

In 2021, following the election of Jill Underly as Wisconsin's Superintendent of Public Instruction, Cruz was appointed to Underly's transition team, further solidifying her role in educational leadership within the state.

Legislative service

Cruz's entry into electoral politics began in 2024 when she announced her candidacy for the Wisconsin State Assembly in the newly redrawn 62nd Assembly district. This redistricting was a result of a Wisconsin Supreme Court decision that invalidated a previous Republican gerrymander, leading to the creation of two Democratic-leaning districts in Racine. The 62nd district, which encompasses the northern part of Racine, became an open seat after the Republican incumbent, Robert Wittke, chose to run in a more Republican-friendly district.

Cruz's campaign for the 62nd Assembly district was notable for its lack of opposition; she ultimately won the seat unopposed in the 2024 election. This victory marked a significant milestone in her political career, as she took office in January 2025. Her election is particularly significant as she became the first Latina to represent Racine County in the Wisconsin Legislature, reflecting a broader trend toward increased diversity in political representation.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, Cruz's policy focus is likely shaped by her background in education and her experiences as a union leader. While specific legislative initiatives and voting records are not detailed, her role as president of Racine Educators United suggests a strong commitment to issues related to education, teacher rights, and public school funding. Given her history of activism in response to legislative changes affecting public sector unions, it can be inferred that she advocates for policies that support educators and enhance the quality of education in Wisconsin.

Cruz represents the 62nd Assembly district, which is situated in Racine County. This district is characterized by its diverse community and is part of a broader political landscape that has seen shifts in representation and party alignment due to recent redistricting efforts. The demographic composition of the district, along with its political leanings, may influence Cruz's legislative priorities and the issues she champions in the Assembly.

In summary, Angelina Cruz's journey from educator to state legislator illustrates her dedication to public service and advocacy for educational equity. Her historic election as the first Latina representative from Racine County underscores the importance of diverse voices in legislative processes, particularly in shaping policies that impact education and community welfare. As she continues her service in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Cruz's background and experiences will likely inform her contributions to the state's legislative agenda.