AUSTIN, Texas -- Julián Castro's departure from the presidential race means there will be no Texans competing in the Democratic presidential primary. It also means there are no Latino candidates in the race for the Democratic nomination, and that is a hard realization for local Latinx community members.
East Austin native Santiago Palomino says Castro's run meant a lot to his often under-represented community.
"Julián Castro being the only Latino on the debate stage meant a lot to a lot of people here," said Palomino.
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Palomino says while he'll still feel a sense of pride when he passes a stray Castro sign in an East Austin yard, the first-generation American says it was Castro's call for an immigration code overhaul that really fostered that sense of pride.
“The reason that they’re separating these little children from their families is they’re using Section 13.25 of that act which criminalizes coming across the border to incarcerate the parents and then separate them. Some of us on this stage have called to end that section, to terminate it. Some, like Congressman O’Rourke, have not. And I want to challenge all of the candidates to do that," Castro said.
"It was really great to have that healthy conversation when it comes to immigration," said Palomino.
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Although shorter than he'd have liked, Palomino hopes Castro's run was the start of more diversity in politics, and a necessary spotlight on an overlooked community.
"At the end of the day it makes me proud," said Palomino.
There is no word yet from Castro's campaign on what's next or who he's choosing to back going forward.
LINK: Decision 2020