Just days after a New York Times investigation exposed allegations that Cesar Chavez sexually abused underage girls, Minnesota leaders from both parties are calling to repeal a state law designating March 31 as “Cesar Chavez Day.”
On Wednesday, the Times published extensive evidence that Chavez — the United Farm Workers co-founder long celebrated as a civil rights hero — groomed and abused multiple underage girls in the 1970s. Dolores Huerta, his union co-founder, also publicly stated that Chavez raped her.
Walz formally proclaimed Cesar Chavez Day last year
It was just last year that Gov. Tim Walz issued an official proclamation declaring March 31 as “Cesar Chavez Day” in Minnesota.
In the proclamation, Walz praised Chavez as a champion of “economic and social justice for farm workers” who led “nonviolent actions, including boycotts, strikes, fasts, and marches.”
In 2014, “Cesar Chavez Day” was established in Minnesota when then-Gov. Mark Dayton signed the measure into law.
In 2023, U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith cosponsored a federal resolution to recognize March 31 as “Cesar Chavez Day” in honor of his “accomplishments and example.” The resolution called Chavez “a great hero of the United States.”
Klobuchar, who is now running for governor, did not respond to Alpha News’ request for comment regarding the allegations and calls to reconsider Cesar Chavez Day. Smith also did not respond.
Walz signals support for reconsidering Chavez Day
In light of the allegations, Walz is now signaling that the state should reconsider its recognition of the upcoming Cesar Chavez Day.
In an interview Thursday on WCCO Radio, Walz said the day remains in place because it is codified in state law but suggested lawmakers should revisit it.
“Well, it’s in state statute that we need to, and I have put out those proclamations. I would encourage us not to do so,” Walz said. “I think this accountability, we’ve seen it with Epstein, we’ve seen it with others, there has got to be accountability. It does not matter who you are. It does not matter what political party you’re from.”
Walz added that the decision ultimately rests with the legislature.
“So I would encourage the legislature, it’s a state statute issue, but I would encourage them not to do that in light of these just horrific, I guess accusations,” he said. “But it certainly seems to me that there’s folks that believe this happened.”
Minnesota GOP calls out Democratic leaders, presses for action
Minnesota GOP Chairman Alex Plechash issued a statement Wednesday calling on Democratic leaders to directly address the allegations and clarify their positions on the state-recognized holiday.
“Minnesota law is clear … Cesar Chavez Day exists to ‘celebrate’ and ‘honor’ a legacy and provide Minnesotans an opportunity to learn from it. But when serious allegations and questions are raised, that standard demands scrutiny—not silence,” Plechash said.
“You cannot enshrine a figure in state law, promote that recognition, and then refuse to engage when legitimate concerns are brought forward. That’s not leadership, it’s selective accountability.”
Plechash called on state DFL leaders to publicly address the allegations, state whether they still support the state-recognized day, and support repeal of the statute if they are unwilling to defend it.
Shortly after the GOP’s call for action, Democratic lawmakers announced plans to do just that.
Legislative leaders signal support for repeal effort
State Rep. María Isa Pérez-Vega, DFL–St. Paul, said Thursday she will introduce legislation to repeal Cesar Chavez Day.
House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson also signaled support, calling the report “horrifying and deeply troubling” and saying House Democrats are prepared to move quickly on the legislation.
A House GOP spokesperson told Alpha News, “House Republicans support renaming Cesar Chavez Day. A bill is being drafted, and we look forward to passing it.”
A Senate GOP spokesperson said, “If this comes up in the Senate, I expect Republican support.”
Update: A spokesperson for Klobuchar responded after publication, saying: “These are horrifying revelations. The Senator supports efforts to change the holiday.”
JUST IN: A spokesperson for Amy Klobuchar responds to Alpha News: “These are horrifying revelations. The Senator supports efforts to change the holiday.” https://t.co/m0CYTNBuSO
— Jenna Gloeb (@JennaReports) March 21, 2026
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
