Slide-to-latch panel mount connector

An electrical connector includes a housing having a forward mating end and a rearward contact loading end. The housing includes first and second opposite sides. The housing is configured for insertion into a panel opening that has an inner edge. The housing is inserted into the panel opening in a first direction in an insertion position and is movable within the panel opening in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction from the insertion position to a latched position. A latch member extends from the first side of the housing and has first and second ends attached to first and second opposite ends of the first side of the housing. An arcuate latch beam joins the first and second ends of the latch member, and a latch element positioned on a forward facing surface of the latch beam engages the inner edge of the panel opening to hold the housing in the latched position.