Top Latino group interviewing candidates for presidential endorsement

The Latino Victory Fund (LVF), a top progressive Hispanic advocacy group, has been quietly interviewing Democratic presidential candidates ahead of an official endorsement.

The group’s board has so far hosted former Vice President Joe Biden and held a conference call with former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg, according to an LVF official.

Meetings with Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) are also planned.

“Members of the Latino Victory Fund board have been engaging in serious and thorough conversations with Democratic presidential contenders,” said an LVF official.

“So far, they’ve discussed some of the most pressing issues affecting the Latino community like health care, the economy, immigration, Puerto Rico, white supremacy, amongst others, with Vice President Joe Biden and former Mayor Pete Buttigieg. We’re eager to continue the conversation with the rest of the Democratic field,” added the official.

The group’s board expects to endorse a candidate before Super Tuesday, March 3, which will include ballots cast in the Latino-heavy states of California and Texas.

The LVF generally does not endorse non-Hispanic candidates, but makes an exception to that rule for presidential contenders.

The group had endorsed former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro before he dropped out of the race.

The LVF board members have so far asked questions on issues ranging from health care, to immigration, to Puerto Rico.

“Latino voters will play such a critical role in the Democratic primary and in the general election — that’s why we want to ensure that all the candidates are centering Latino voters in their respective agendas,” said the LVF official.