Rep. Stansbury Statement on Allegations of Abuse by Cesar Chavez

March 18, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) released the following statement on shocking allegations of abuse by Cesar Chavez: “First and foremost, we stand with and support survivors. Every story is an act of bravery, and we must support them. As a fellow New Mexican, I am sending my love to Dolores Huerta for carrying this pain in silence for 60 years, and to other survivors who have come forward. To every survivor, know that you are seen, you are heard, and we stand with you. To those in the movement who are shaken by these allegations—know that the fight for justice is larger than one man. It is rooted in the struggles of generations of organizers, activists, and leaders who have stood up. But for far too long, those in positions of power have been protected, and abuse has been swept under the rug. The allegations against Cesar Chavez are shocking and horrific, and an example of what can happen when power and abuse go unchecked. Not anymore. The silence stops here. Survivors everywhere deserve justice and accountability.”