J. Walter Tejada
In 2003, J. Walter Tejada became the first person of Latin American heritage to be elected to the Arlington County Board, or to any governing body in Northern Virginia.
In 2003, J. Walter Tejada became the first person of Latin American heritage to be elected to the Arlington County Board or any governing body in Northern Virginia.
Tejada served as County Board Chair in 2008 and 2013.
Tejada was born in El Salvador and immigrated to the United States at age 13, settling with his family in Brooklyn, New York, and moving to Trenton, New Jersey. After attending college and playing soccer at Keystone Junior College and Mercer College, he eventually moved to Arlington in 1987.
Tejada got his start as an activist and organizer after witnessing inequities faced by members of the Latinx community. He initially worked in groups addressing fair housing, job opportunities, and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). He also helped to establish a Salvadoran festival in Arlington, starting in 1995, focusing on Salvadoran culture.
In 2003, Tejada was elected to the Arlington County Board in a special election following the death of Board member Charles P. Monroe. Tejada defeated longtime GOP activist Mike W. Clancy in the contest.
Tejada advocated for immigrant and Spanish-speaking communities during his time on the board. He served on numerous task forces and groups, including chairing the governor’s Latino Advisory Commission.
Since his time in County government, he was appointed to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Board of Directors and is president of the Virginia Latino Leaders Council.
