The Venezuelan American Caucus Announces New Co-Chairs: Ambassador Nathalie Rayes and Leopoldo Martinez Nucete

Washington, D.C.-January 8th, 2026- The Venezuelan American Caucus, today announced that it will be co-chaired by Nathalie Rayes, former U.S. Ambassador, and Leopoldo Martinez Nucete, former Counselor at the U.S. Department of Commerce and a Venezuelan Congressman from 2000 to 2005.

The announcement was made by Adelys Ferro, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Venezuelan American Caucus, as part of a broader effort to strengthen the organization’s leadership and capacity at a critical moment for the Venezuelan American community.

“At this critical moment for Venezuelan Americans, strengthening the leadership of the Venezuelan American Caucus is both necessary and strategic,” said Ferro. “The co-chairing of the Caucus by Ambassador Nathalie Rayes and Leopoldo Martinez Nucete brings together unparalleled experience, credibility, and moral leadership. Their service—as senior officials and as longstanding leaders within our community—will significantly enhance our capacity to advocate effectively, defend hard-won protections for Venezuelan immigrants, and build durable political power for Venezuelan Americans nationwide.”

“The Venezuelan American community has a powerful and growing voice in the United States,” said Rayes. “At this critical moment, I am honored to serve as co-chair of the Venezuelan American Caucus and to work to strengthen civic engagement, defend democratic values, and elevate the priorities of Venezuelan Americans nationwide.”

“By building broad, community-driven coalitions, countering disinformation, and
advancing forward-looking policy solutions, the Venezuelan American Caucus serves as a platform for Venezuelan Americans committed to shaping a more just and prosperous future in the United States while contributing to the restoration of democracy and human rights in Venezuela and across the region.” Martinez Nucete added.

The Venezuelan American Caucus was founded under the umbrella of Latino Victory Project to organize, empower, and give voice to a community that has contributed enormously to American civic life. Katharine Pichardo, President & CEO of Latino Victory, praised Ambassador Rayes and Martinez Nucete, who have previously served as President of the organization and as one of the organization’s founders, respectively. She said: “We’re excited for this new chapter of the Venezuelan American Caucus. Together, Nathalie and Leopoldo are the only two first-generation Venezuelan American citizens to have served as senior officials in the U.S. federal government and I know they will continue to do tremendous work uplifting our communities.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: aferro@venezuelanamericancaucus.com
Tel. 713-494-2918