Latino voters and leaders are expressing enthusiasm for Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee, but they are also looking for clarity on where she stands on key issues such as the economy, immigration, and education. With the Latino population being the largest minority group in the U.S. at 19.5%, their support is crucial in the upcoming presidential election. Harris, the daughter of immigrants, has garnered support from various influential Latino groups, but there is a call for her to energize young Latino voters who are more nonpartisan and may be considering sitting out the election or voting for a third-party candidate.
More than 6 in 10 Latino voters supported Joe Biden in the 2020 election, with 35% supporting former President Donald Trump. However, a recent poll found that optimism about both the Democratic and Republican parties among Latino voters is relatively low. Despite this, there has been an increase in satisfaction with Harris as the Democratic nominee among Hispanic adults. The endorsement of Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, by the League of United Latin American Citizens marks the first time the organization has endorsed a presidential candidate since its inception in 1929. This highlights the importance of the Latino vote in the upcoming election.
There is a division in opinions among Hispanic adults regarding Harris, with some expressing favorable views and others expressing unfavorable views. However, her status as the daughter of immigrants provides a sense of representation for many Latino families, which could appeal to them. For example, one Costa Rican American single mother of Afro-Latina girls admires Harris’ commitment to healing and growth in the country. The Harris campaign has highlighted her support for issues important to Latinos, such as healthcare and gun violence, and is working to engage with the Latino community to secure their votes.
While some individuals argue that Trump shows commitment to issues like job growth and securing the border, others believe Harris is better positioned to address the concerns of the Latino community. The choice of Tim Walz as her running mate is seen as a strategic move to appeal to voters in important battleground states like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Walz is known for his defense of democracy, voting rights, and support for working families, values that resonate with the Latino community. Harris also has an opportunity to make her case in states with large Puerto Rican populations, as these citizens can vote once they move to a state.
The Voto Latino president emphasizes the importance of engaging Latinas in the political process, as they often play a significant role in driving decisions within their families. Consistent outreach to Latino voters by both parties will be key in securing their support, as once the community is engaged, they tend to remain engaged. The impact of Latino voters, particularly Latinas, cannot be underestimated, and their influence can be a deciding factor in the election. Both parties need to focus on consistent outreach and engagement with the Latino community to secure their votes and address their concerns effectively.
