Mark Hugo Lopez, director of race and ethnicity research at Pew Research Center, dives into the evolving landscape of the Latino vote with CNN Political Director David Chalian. They discuss the significance of the 36 million eligible Latino voters in 2024 and how their political preferences are shifting, especially with Kamala Harris on the Democratic ticket. Key issues like the economy, immigration, and linguistic preferences are explored, revealing diverse perspectives and the potential impact on strategies from both parties.
Latino voters, numbering over 36 million, are increasingly crucial in the 2024 election as their political preferences are evolving significantly.
Candidates are adjusting their campaign strategies to resonate with the diverse priorities of Latino voters, including economy, immigration, and healthcare issues.
Deep dives
Role of Latino Voters in the Upcoming Election
Latino voters are projected to play a crucial role in the 2024 presidential election, with over 36 million eligible to vote. Their voting patterns, which previously favored Democrats, have been shifting, raising questions about turnout and candidate support. In the 2020 election, Latino voters demonstrated a significant preference for Joe Biden, yet recent polling indicates that this advantage has diminished. The entry of Vice President Kamala Harris atop the Democratic ticket seems to be revitalizing support for Democrats among Latino voters.
Candidates' Strategies to Appeal to Latino Voters
Candidates are adjusting their strategies to connect with Latino voters, who vary widely in background and issues of importance. While Trump has historically found support among Latino voters, particularly those from Cuba and Venezuela, Democrats are now focusing on tailored messages that resonate with regional concerns, such as immigration and economic issues. For instance, the campaigns recognize that Latino voters’ priorities differ based on location, with border security being critical in Arizona, while other states may prioritize economic policies. This targeted approach has included increased Spanish-language advertising to engage with both Spanish-dominant and bilingual voters.
Diverse Issues Influencing Latino Voting Preferences
The issues that matter most to Latino voters encompass a broad spectrum, with the economy and inflation being top concerns. Immigration continues to be relevant but is not the sole focal point; other topics like healthcare, education, and climate change also weigh heavily on their voting decisions. Research indicates that opinions on immigration policy among Latino voters have evolved, with some favoring measures like increasing pathways for legal entry while others support deportation. The growing diversity and shifting views within the Latino community highlight the complexity of their political preferences, as they increasingly mirror broader national trends.
More than 36 million Latinos are eligible to vote in the 2024 election, and both Democrats and Republicans are competing fiercely to win their votes. Earlier this summer, polls showed former President Donald Trump could build significantly on gains he made with Latino voters in 2020. But, with Vice President Kamala Harris now at the top of the Democratic ticket, those numbers could be shifting. Mark Hugo Lopez is the director of race and ethnicity research at Pew Research Center. He joins CNN Political Director David Chalian to take a closer look at this critical voting bloc and how the political views of Latino voters have changed in recent years.