The Brian Lehrer Show Latino Voters Shift Back Toward Democrats
Nov 14, 2025
Eli Valentin, Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies at Virginia Union University and a political analyst for Univision, dives into the surprising shift of Latino voters from Trump to Democrats. He discusses how generational and ideological changes are reshaping voting patterns, highlighting economic concerns as a key driver. Valentin explores neighborhood variations and the impact of ICE raids, while also touching on the influence of religion and colonial history on political choices. Personal stories reveal the complexity behind mixed voting decisions in this evolving demographic landscape.
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Generational Shift Toward Progressivism
- Younger Latino voters are shifting from center-right toward more progressive candidates in NYC primaries.
- Eli Valentin ties this to generational differences and rising progressive energy among younger cohorts.
Latino Vote Is Highly Localized
- Latino voting varies strongly by national origin and neighborhood within New York City.
- Valentin notes Puerto Ricans leaned toward establishment candidates while South American and Dominican voters favored Mamdani.
Economic Populism Explains Mixed Votes
- Queens swung toward Trump in 2024 but also backed Mamdani in 2025, driven by economic concerns.
- Valentin attributes the apparent contradiction to shared economic populism around affordability.