The New York state Democratic Committee on Thursday announced a new plan to draw in Latino voters ahead of the 2022 election, part of what party officials called a "bilingual empowerment program" meant to build coalitions, voter registration and mobilization. 

The effort comes as Democrats increasingly worry Latino voters — a broad category of people from a diverse array of nationalities, backgrounds and communities — have not been engaged with the party politically in recent elections. At the same time, the party lacks a statewide candidate from any Latino community this year. 

Democrats are turning to former Democratic National Committee Finance Chairman Henry R. Muñoz III for the Nueva York Initiative. 

"For Democrats to be successful this year and beyond, we need a robust strategy to mobilize Latino voters and effectively communicate our message statewide," Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. "I am honored to partner with Henry Muñoz, Kyle Ferari-Muñoz and the New York State Democratic Party to launch Nueva York and ensure Latino voters across New York are empowered for years to come."

The party is also set to announce a director and deputy director for Latino outreach. Additionally, the party has hired Taína Borrero, a senior vice president at The Hayes Initiative, to be a senior advisor on the program. 

"New York is the proud home of some of the nation's largest Latino communities and we need to ensure their voices are heard," said Jay Jacobs, the state Democratic chairman. "I'm proud of our party for launching this comprehensive Latino outreach program to spark a movement and mobilize Democratic voters statewide."