Dolores Huerta: Bay Area leaders pay tribute to late labor activist, civil rights icon

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- California is mourning the loss of one of its most influential voices.

Dolores Huerta has died. The labor icon whose fight for farmworkers helped shape social justice movements from the Central Valley to the Bay Area was 96. Huerta was one of the nation's most influential labor leaders, civil rights icons and feminist activists. She died Wednesday at her home in Bakersfield.

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Her family says plans are in the works for a celebration of life.

Across California, tributes are pouring in for the trailblazing organizer who spent decades fighting for labor rights, voting rights and social justice.

Governor Gavin Newsom ordered flags at the State Capitol to be flown at half-staff and described Huerta as a close personal friend. He's reflected on both her enduring impact and the difficult final months of her life.

"She's an icon, and what's so difficult is, you know, I can't imagine what she's gone through in those last few months, with the revelations around Cesar and how hard that must have been for her in these last few months," Newsom said in an interview. "She's been such a ubiquitous part of our lives. She had the kind of energy that was just jaw-dropping. Felt like she was never gonna pass. And so, you know, we just have to absorb her contributions, her energy, her passions."

Huerta's impact extended far beyond the farm fields, shaping labor and civil rights and political activism across California and the nation.

We spoke with Assemblymember Diane Papan in Burlingame, who knew Dolores personally and reflected on her legacy.

"I am so grateful to who she was as a human being. Well, she was a trailblazer to the end. Let's admit that she was a woman of great compassion, and I mean compassion for everyone. Not just, you know, folks that were underserved and those that she fought for. She was compassionate to every single person she met, and I felt that. I felt that compassion. I felt that love, and it was amazing to get to know her," Papan said.

Local leaders remember Dolores Huerta

California Gov. Gavin Newsom

"Dolores Huerta represented the best of us. California -- and the United States -- would not be what we are today without her resolute spirit, her passion for justice and fairness, and her commitment to those overlooked and forgotten. Dolores' fight for gender equity, workers' rights, and civil rights paved the way for generations to come -- teaching people what was possible with determination and heart. Her legacy lies not just in the accomplishments she achieved, but in the people who follow in her footsteps, take up the mantle, and keep creating a better world."

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi

"Today, we sadly mourn the loss of Dolores Huerta, a leader in the American labor movement and a champion for civil rights who lead with courage and determination.

"Dolores was a dear friend, and we all responded to her rallying cry, 'Sí se puede,' which inspired generations of Americans to believe in the power of collective action. I was honored to host Dolores' birthday celebration at the United States Capitol when she turned 90, a compliment she returned to me at the California Democratic Party Convention in San Francisco earlier this year.

"May it be a comfort to her family and loved ones that so many mourn their loss and are praying for them at this sad time."

U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla

"Angela and I mourn the passing of Dolores Huerta, a giant in the ongoing fight for workers' rights, women's rights, and the protection of civil liberties. She leaves behind an enduring legacy as a civil rights and labor icon who fought tirelessly for better working conditions for migrant laborers and championed the rights of immigrants and women.

"From the Delano Grape Strike to her work for equal pay and reproductive freedom, Dolores fought until the end for a more just and equitable future. She showed us the power of organizing, the strength of solidarity, and what we can accomplish when we stand together.

"Now, it's on all of us to carry on that torch: to keep organizing and to keep fighting."

State Sen. Scott Wiener

"Today we mourn the passing of a legend who truly changed our state and our country. Throughout her 96 years, Dolores Huerta never stopped fighting to make the world a better place. Her courage and passion helped build the farmworkers movement, and she never stopped fighting for justice — whether for workers, women, LGBTQ people, immigrants, or victims of climate disasters. She energized movements, spoke truth to power, and kept fighting until the end.

"I had the honor of working with Dolores on various issues, including holding Big Oil accountable for climate disasters and creating an estate tax in California. Her strength, courage, and determination continually inspired me. Rest in power, my friend."

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie

"Dolores Huerta changed the lives of generations of San Franciscans and people across the country. She embodied service, dedicating her life to fighting for farmworkers' rights, advancing civil rights, and standing up for working families.

"Throughout her life, she showed incredible courage, speaking out about her own experiences and standing in solidarity with other women. Her legacy will continue to inspire others -- including me -- and she will be deeply missed in San Francisco."

Rep. Jimmy Panetta

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers and a pioneer in the fight for labor and civil rights, women's rights, and equality.

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"Her lifetime of advocacy and action helped generations of farmworkers secure better wages, safer working conditions, and a voice on the job. Dolores inspired the fight for many farmworkers to achieve the American Dream and give their children a better life. Her legacy is felt well beyond our local agricultural communities on the central coast of California and throughout our country.

"My heart is with her family, friends, and all those who carry forward her pursuit of giving farmworkers fairness and our children a brighter future."

Rep. Sam Liccardo

"Well into her 90's, Dolores Huerta never stopped fighting for nuestra gente. To this legendary woman of small stature and massive impact, we owe much; may she rest in peace. Si se puede."

State Sen. Dave Cortese

"Today, I mourn the loss of a dear friend, a mentor in nonviolence and one of the most consequential leaders in the history of the farmworker movement. Dolores Huerta didn't just teach us how to fight for justice. She showed us how to do it with courage, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to nonviolence."

"Dolores and I shared a deep commitment to the practice of nonviolence, including through our work with Rev. Deacon Sal Alvarez, local San Jose community organizer and activist. Over the years, I was fortunate to know her personally, learn from her example, and work alongside her on issues that mattered deeply to both of us. My last conversation with her was a few weeks after a difficult discussion. I spotted her on the Senate floor, so I walked over and said, 'Dolores, I still love you.' And she said, 'I love you too.'"

"Our work together included fighting to protect farmworkers from dangerous exposure to pesticides and herbicides. Dolores understood what too many people overlook: the people who put food on our tables should never have to sacrifice their health or their lives to do their jobs. She never stopped demanding that farmworkers receive the dignity, protections, and respect they deserve."

"Dolores leaves us with a challenge, not just a legacy: to turn our compassion into action, our convictions into laws, and our commitment to nonviolence into the courage to confront injustice. Her voice may be gone, but her work is not finished. It is now our responsibility to carry it forward."

"On behalf of my family and the communities I represent, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Dolores' family, loved ones and the generations of farmworkers, organizers, and advocates whose lives she changed. We honor her best not simply by remembering her words, but by continuing the fight for justice she spent her life leading."

Rep. Zoe Lofgren

"I'm deeply sad to hear about the passing of Dolores Huerta, a friend and legend in the farmworkers' movement. Her work and her vision transformed our country, especially here in her home state of California. She embodied the spirit of the movement with her phrase that will live on for generations: Sí Se Puede. May she rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all who loved her."

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan

"Dolores Huerta was a legend in her life and I know her legacy will continue long past her death.

"She will be remembered by the generations of children who grew up hearing her name chanted in tandem with "si se puede".

"As our city mourns her loss, let us continue her advocacy by supporting a cause we believe in. Standing up for someone who can't. Even simply casting our vote. Because Dolores proved that one person can create widespread change — and she would want us all to know we hold that same power."

Rep. Mike Thompson

"Deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, Dolores Huerta.

"Dolores was one of our state's and our nation's most iconic leaders. She fought her entire life to improve the lives of farmworkers and for a more just and dignified world for us all. Dolores showed us what people can achieve when they come together to stand up for what is right.

"Dolores was an inspiration to millions of people, myself included. She will be deeply missed in our community and across our country. Jan and I have Dolores' family in our prayers during this difficult time."

Arnulfo De La Cruz, president of SEIU California and SEIU Local 2015

"Dolores Huerta's passing is a profound loss for the entire labor movement and heartbreaking for me personally. Dolores was a matriarch to our movement, and someone I consider family.

"Whether organizing in the fields, challenging corporate growers at the bargaining table, or speaking truth to power in Sacramento and Washington, DC, Dolores embodied courage, resilience, and a lifelong dedication to building power for workers.

"Her iconic call 'Sí, Se Puede' galvanized a movement for farmworker justice -- and so much more. It paved the way for a rising generation of Latina leaders who have made our movement stronger and more inclusive, understanding that disability rights, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigrant rights are inseparable from workers' rights. Today -- and I hope for many generations to come -- I see the strength caregivers find in themselves when they make this battle cry their own.

"Even after honors from a Presidential Medal of Freedom, induction in California's Hall of Fame, chapters written about her in history books, and dozens of schools named in her honor, Dolores called herself an 'organizer,' never losing touch with her roots in the movement. Her relentless organizing and fierce mentorship brought my father into the labor movement and shaped the leader I am today. Until just months ago, you could find Dolores on the strike lines, marching for justice, wherever workers needed her help and inspiration.

"Through our tears and sadness, we carry forward, knowing the best way to honor Dolores is to approach every day as she did, where 'every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.'"