The Latino Vote

As tanks roll into D.C. and protesters flood the streets of LA, Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid break down the chaos—and the calculated cruelty driving it. Together, they dissect the fear gripping immigrant communities, the optics of waving Mexican flags vs. American ones, and how left-wing agitators are playing right into Trump’s hands.With brutal honesty and a few wrestling metaphors (shoutout to Fritz Von Erich), the duo explores why “Cruelty is the Point” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a political strategy. They tackle Gavin Newsom’s unexpected comeback, the rising Latino vote for the New Jersey Governor's race, and yes… a Texas wrestling tangent.It’s raw, urgent, and sharply strategic—because the stakes have never been higher.-Chuck Rocha has a new show on Substack! Check out the Rocha Revolution airing every Wednesdays! (https://substack.com/@chuckrocha)Read Mike Madrid's article on the Sacramento Bee - 'A message to Trump protesters in California: Put down the Mexican flags | Opinion' (https://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/article308246310.html)-Recorded June 11, 2025.-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!

In this episode of the Latino Vote Podcast, Mike Madrid is back and is here to tackle the hard truth: the Latino voter shift isn’t about turnout—it’s about policy.While Democrats scramble to reconnect with a base that’s drifting right, Chuck and Mike break down the real reasons why working-class Latino voters are leaving the party. Spoiler: it’s not because Democrats didn’t show up to enough quinceañeras.💥 Mike says it’s not a tactical problem—it’s a policy one.📉 Chuck lays out how the party's strategy is built on outdated assumptions.👷‍♂️ Together, they expose why working-class Latinos are walking away.This is the conversation political insiders don’t want you to hear.-Recorded on June 4, 2025.-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!

Download the Catalist 'What Happened in 2024' Report: https://catalist.us/whathappened2024/-Chuck Rocha is joined by guest co-host Maria Cardona and Catalist CEO Michael Frias to unpack the hard truths and hidden opportunities in the Democratic Party’s relationship with Latino voters. With Mike Madrid off for the week, Chuck, Maria, and Michael dig deep into the latest Catalist's 'What Happened in 2024' report, detailing Latino Voter trends since 2012, with a distinct focus on the 2024 election. From Obama’s 2012 10% share to today’s razor-thin margins, Michael delivers the “Rocha Cliff Notes” on where Democrats gained, where they lost, and why the competition for Latino voters has never been fiercer. 📊 Real data. 🔥 Real talk. 💡 Real solutions.-Recorded May 28, 2025-Catalist on X: https://x.com/catalist_usMaria Cardona on X: https://x.com/mariatcardonaMichael Frias on X: https://x.com/mjfrias-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!

If you haven't yet, check out The Jim Acosta Show on Substack: https://jimacosta.substack.com/-"You have to be fearless, if you want to go into covering politics.  This is not a line of work where you're going to get liked."Renown Journalist, Jim Acosta, joins The Latino Vote Podcast for a raw, unfiltered conversation with Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid about the urgent need for fearless journalism in an era of rising authoritarianism. Known for holding power to account during the Trump era—Acosta does not hold back.👉 In this powerful episode:Jim's venture into Substack and the rise of The Jim Acosta ShowAlarming immigration cases, including the deportation of young children with cancerHow disinformation and political intimidation are eroding the free pressHis Cuban immigrant roots and what it means to be AmericanAn glimpse into the Ad Spending totals per issue, per party.Why journalists may soon need legal defense funds just to do their jobsThis is more than a podcast—it’s a call to action. If you care about democracy, truth, and the power of the Latino voice, don’t miss this.-Recorded May 14, 2025.-Learn more about Jim Acosta:https://www.facebook.com/jimacostanews/https://www.instagram.com/jimacostahttps://x.com/Acostahttps://bsky.app/profile/jimacosta.bsky.social-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!

"Habemus Papam. We have a new pope!"Chuck Rocha and resident Catholic expert Mike Madrid unpack the whirlwind election of our first American Pope—Pope Leo XIV—and explore what his ascendancy means for Latino culture, faith, and politics. From the storied rituals of white and black smoke in the Sistine Chapel to the surprising influence of betting markets on a secretive conclave, Mike sheds light on the historical parallels between Pope Leo’s rapid three-round election and that of Pius XII in 1939. Together, they examine how the “Catholic imagination” shapes Latino identity, the resurgence of young men embracing traditional Catholicism, and why Latino women are charting divergent spiritual paths.Also Chuck recounts his electrifying appearance at the Milken Institute's marquee policy forum in Los Angeles.If you're looking for a fast-paced, thought-provoking ride through faith, policy, and the future of the Latino Vote, you've come to the right place!-Recorded May 8, 2025.-Chuck got the quote of the day at the Milken Institute Global Conference 2025. Read the Politico article here: https://www.politico.com/newsletters/california-playbook/2025/05/07/trump-feud-universities-milken-00332600Watch the panel here: https://milkeninstitute.org/content-hub/event-panels/leading-democratic-party-futureDon't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!

Chuck Rocha welcomes CBS News' political journalist Fin Gómez to unpack latest polls revealing Latinos dissatisfaction with Donald Trump's policies after 100-days in office. They break down the fear, anger, and disappointment felt by many due to rising inflation and unkept promises.Chuck and Fin also celebrate Latino excellence in journalism, reflecting on the 3rd annual Brown and Bougie Brunch and the trailblazing reporters making waves in D.C. And yes—there’s laughter too, as Chuck channels his inner Baby Billy from The Righteous Gemstones and explains why we all need more joy in our political lives.Tune in for data, culture, and real talk on what’s working—and what’s not—in the battle for the Latino vote.-Recorded April 30, 2025.-Learn more about Fin Daniel Gómez:https://www.cbsnews.com/team/fin-gomez/https://x.com/finnygohttps://www.instagram.com/finnygo-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!

Join Congressman Gabe Vasquez, the first Democrat in over 50 years to represent New Mexico's 2nd district, as he shares his remarkable journey from a Mexican-American farm family to Capitol Hill. He dives into the unique challenges of representing a sprawling, majority-Latino district, highlighting the importance of community connection and tailored campaign strategies. Vasquez discusses conservation efforts, the significance of local culture, and why Latinos embody the backbone of America's workforce. Tune in for insights blending politics, family, and fishing tales!

This week, Chuck Rocha joins Mike Madrid from sunny Palm Springs to tackle the biggest stories shaking American politics—and the Latino community—in real time. From the recent visit of El Salvador's president to the White House and the implications of unhinged deportations to the Trump administration’s move to label international gangs as terrorist organizations, and what that means for due process and TPS holders just trying to build a life here. Chuck shares a deeply personal story about his business partner's struggles with TPS, while Mike lays out the constitutional crisis unfolding in real time. They also break down rising grassroots energy, the shifting tide of public opinion, and what recent fundraising numbers from AOC and Bernie tell us about the electorate’s mood. Plus, a preview of the high-stakes Arizona special election in the 7th Congressional District, the drama with Myra Flores and district-shopping in Texas, and the launch of the new Campeones PAC!It's not just political analysis—it’s a call to action. Listen, subscribe, and get ready to make some noise.-Recorded April 15, 2025-Latinos have been a decisive force in elections and will make up 20% of voters by 2030. However, Republicans continue to make gains while working against them, and without action, key battleground states could shift even further. CAMPEONES PAC is committed to changing this by expanding outreach, re-engaging voters, and making early, long-term investments.Donate to Campeones PAC: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/campeonespacCampeones PAC website: https://www.campeonespac.com/Campeones PAC on X: https://x.com/CampeonesPACDon't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!

Chuck Rocha is back from his hiatus, and oh boy - did he bring someone special for this episode of the Latino Vote Podcast!Senator Ruben Gallego joins Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid to break down what it really takes to win hearts and minds in a competitive political landscape. Gallego offers a candid, hilarious, and deeply insightful conversation about his groundbreaking Senate campaign in Arizona, pulling back the curtain on how he won big in a red-leaning state by unapologetically being himself, leaning into his culture, speaking directly to Latino men. This episode is a must-listen for political nerds, aspiring candidates, and anyone hungry for a fresh approach to campaigns.-Recorded April 9, 2025.-Learn more about Senator Ruben Gallego:https://www.gallego.senate.gov/https://www.instagram.com/senrubengallego/https://www.facebook.com/SenRubenGallego/https://x.com/SenRubenGallegohttps://bsky.app/profile/gallego.senate.gov-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!

In Part 2 of our discussion with former President of the California State Senate Kevin de León,  we take a hard look at what’s ailing national Democrats and why the party must reconnect with its working-class roots. Furthermore, Kevin breaks his silence on the infamous Nury Martinez recording that shook Los Angeles politics and reflects on the lessons learned from his career in politics. Join us for an unfiltered conversation about power, responsibility, and the future of Latino representation in politics.-Recorded March 15, 2025.-Learn more about Kevin de León:- https://www.kevindeleon.com/- https://www.facebook.com/KdeleonCD14/- https://x.com/kdeleon- https://www.instagram.com/kdeleoncd14/-CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction00:29 The Democratic Party need to focus on Working Class Values07:10 Why Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego Victory resonated with Voters.10:46 Is California The Housing Crisis Seriously?15:25 Kevin breaks his silence on the Nury Martinez recording18:50 Kevin de León reflects on his long-term contributions to Latino Politics and the current state of Latino Representation.24:35 So you're telling me, Carbon is not for Carne Asadas?26:08 How Kevin de León championed Climate Change in California.30:09 Looking at the Future of the Latino Vote and how Democrats can win them back. 33:07 The disconnect between Democrats and the working-class36:46 Looking Ahead. The lessons the Democratic party need to learn.41:48 What's Next for Kevin de León? A Political Return?Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!