| Angelina M. Cruz is a Democratic member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the 62nd Assembly District since January 6, 2025. She is the first Latina to represent Racine County in the Wisconsin Legislature.
Born around 1978-1979 in Racine, Wisconsin, Cruz is the granddaughter of Mexican American immigrants. She grew up in Caledonia and graduated from St. Catherine's High School in 1997. Initially studying journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she transferred to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, earning a bachelor's degree in sociology in 2003. She later obtained a master's degree in educational policy from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Cruz began her career as a fifth-grade teacher in the Racine Unified School District, later teaching at Mitchell Middle School. In 2016, she was elected president of the Racine Education Association, and in 2021, she led the unification of this group with the Racine Educational Assistants Association, forming Racine Educators United. She has served as president of the combined union since then.
Motivated by the 2011 Wisconsin Act 10, which curtailed collective bargaining rights for public sector unions, Cruz became more active in union and political advocacy. In 2024, she ran unopposed for the 62nd Assembly District seat after incumbent Robert Wittke moved to a different district. She won the general election with over 95% of the vote.
As a state representative, Cruz serves on the Committee on Education and the Committee on Government Operations, Accountability, and Transparency. Her legislative priorities include public education funding and labor rights.
Cruz is openly queer and resides in Racine, Wisconsin. Her father, Domingo S. Cruz Jr., is a prominent local attorney and former assistant district attorney, while her mother was a teacher and active union member. |