WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lois Capps was joined today by several Members of Congress for the unveiling of a portrait of the first Latino Member of Congress. The portrait will be moved to the Capitol Visitors Center when the building is completed.
Santa Barbara native Romualdo Pacheco was elected to Congress by one vote in 1876 and again in 1879, serving until 1883. While other Latinos served as delegates to the Congress from American territories in the 19th Century prior to statehood, Pacheco was the first to be elected as a Representative.
“Rep. Pacheco’s service in the House, as well as his lengthy and varied career, merits the recognition we provide at this event here today,” Congresswoman Capps said. “I am proud this impressive lawmaker and statesman hails from the Central Coast of California.”
Pacheco was born in Santa Barbara in 1831 and began his political career in 1853 when he was first elected judge of the San Luis Obispo Superior Court. He then served as a state senator, state treasurer and lieutenant governor. As the first Latino governor of California, he fostered the creation of the University of California system.
He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives by a margin of one vote in 1876. However, his opponent contested the election in every available judicial and legislative venue. The opponent eventually was selected by the House to fill the seat, and Pacheco went back to California. However, Pacheco was decisively reelected the next year and served until 1883.
Upon retiring from Congress, Pacheco accepted an appointment from President Benjamin Harrison to serve as ambassador to the Central American states from 1891 to 1893. He died in 1899 in Oakland.
The portrait was painted by Daniel Greene, a Portrait Society of American Medal of Honor winner.
