CNN 5 Things One Thing: Latinos Shifted Right in 2024. Has Trump 2.0 Scrambled Things?
Nov 2, 2025
Kennith Gonzalez, a key figure in New Jersey's Republican Latino outreach, shares insights on how the GOP is connecting with Hispanic voters, focusing on local issues that resonate with them. Hector Lora, the Mayor of Passaic, discusses the impact of immigration enforcement on his community and his support for Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill. The conversation highlights the evolving political landscape, Latino voter priorities on safety and affordability, and the need for parties to address these concerns to maintain voter trust.
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Local Sherrill Event Draws Anti‑Trump Voters
- Hector Lora and local voters attended a Mikie Sherrill event on a Jersey City brewery roof the night before the election.
- Voters expressed enthusiasm for Sherrill and motivation to vote primarily to oppose Trump rather than for specific policies.
NJ's Blue Image Masks Gubernatorial Opportunity
- New Jersey is reliably blue at presidential level but has a history of picking Republican governors.
- Trump's narrowed margin in 2024 makes New Jersey a key battleground for statewide Republican gains.
Peruvian Immigrant Switches To Republican Ticket
- Orietta Fernandez, a Peruvian immigrant turned U.S. citizen in Clifton, voted for Trump in 2024 and for Jack Cittarelli in the governor's race.
- She cited immigration enforcement, law and order, and economic concerns like taxes and cost of living as reasons.