Skip to content

First and Only Father to See Two Daughters in Congress Dies

Rep. Linda T. Sánchez and former Rep. Loretta Sánchez's father was a Mexican immigrant

Loretta, left, and Linda, right, Sánchez, D-Calif., served together for 15 years. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)
Loretta, left, and Linda, right, Sánchez, D-Calif., served together for 15 years. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

The father of Rep. Linda T. Sánchez and former Rep. Loretta Sánchez died after a battle with Alzheimer’s.

Ignacio S. Sánchez was the first and only father to send two daughters to Congress.

The Sánchez sisters, both Democrats, served simultaneously from 2003 to 2017, representing California districts. Loretta lost a Senate bid in 2016.

The congresswoman celebrated her father’s life by touting his success after emigrating from Mexico.

“He achieved his American Dream with a successful career as a small business owner, sending all 7 of his children to college, and seeing two daughters serve in the United States Congress,” she said in a statement.

He had Alzheimer’s for 17 years and is survived by his former wife and the mother of his children, Maria Macias; 6 children; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Macias is also a Mexican immigrant. They met while Sánchez was working as a mechanic in a tire shop and she was an accountant and union organizer.

Also Watch: A Look Back at Kaptur, Longest-Serving Woman in the House

[jwp-video n=”1″]

Recent Stories

What happened and what’s next after the 2024 elections?

A look at the health priorities of incoming Senate Democrats

A look at new GOP senators on health policy

Latta eyes top GOP spot on Energy and Commerce panel

A look at those who could be on Trump’s health team short list

At the Races: The big sort