Torristas and Molinistas

Torristas and Molinistas
Art Torres in 1986 Richard Alatorre in 1986 Gloria Molina in 1987
Date	1982–2005
Caused by	Decision by Molina to run against Richard Polanco in the 1982 State Assembly election
Parties
Torristas Art Torres Richard Alatorre Molinistas Gloria Molina

The Torristas and Molinistas were groups involved a political feud in Los Angeles, California, in the latter part of the 20th century. Derived from the names of the three main leaders of the two camps, the term is similar to the Montagues and Capulets or the Hatfields and McCoys. The feud, concentrated in Eastside Los Angeles, began with the election of Art Torres and Richard Alatorre, whose supporters were called "Torristas." Gloria Molina's supporters, known as "Molinistas," clashed with the Torristas.

The rivalry between the politicians began after the 1981 reapportionment, when Gloria Molina, then an aide, ran against Richard Polanco in the 1982 State Assembly election. Polanco was part of a group of Latino candidates, including Richard Alatorre and Art Torres, aiming to promote Latino politicians. This competition sparked a rivalry that extended to other races and the Los Angeles City Council, where Molina and Alatorre both served. The rivalry continued until the early 2000s, when the influence of both factions diminished as newer Latino politicians emerged.