Latinos 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. As the nation’s largest minority group, comprising 19.5% of the total population according to the 2020 census, Latinos hold significant sway in the upcoming presidential election. In order to secure their crucial support, Harris must address the concerns and priorities of this diverse and influential voting bloc.
On Friday, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) endorsed Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, marking the first time the organization has endorsed a presidential candidate since its founding in 1929. This endorsement underscores the importance of Latino support in the upcoming election and highlights the need for Harris to engage with key issues that matter to this community.
Vanessa Cruz Nichols, an assistant professor of political science at Indiana University, emphasized that Harris has the potential to appeal to Latino voters but will need to work to win over independents and those who may be considering not voting in the November election. Cruz noted that Harris must reintroduce herself and clearly communicate her positions on a range of issues to appeal to a diverse array of voters, including young Latinos who may be more nonpartisan or considering third-party candidates.
Maria Teresa, president of Voto Latino, highlighted the significance of young Latino voters in shaping the outcome of the election. She noted that Harris‘ entry into the race has sparked a „coalescing of the community,“ with many young Latinos shifting their support towards the Democratic Party. Teresa emphasized that engaging and energizing young Latino voters is essential for any candidate seeking to secure the White House.
Despite the support Harris has garnered from influential Latino groups and individuals, there are still concerns and reservations within the community. A July poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that while Hispanic adults are divided in their opinions on Harris, there has been a notable increase in satisfaction with her as the Democratic nominee. This suggests that Harris has the opportunity to further solidify her support among Latino voters by addressing their concerns and priorities.
One key issue that has drawn attention is Harris‘ stance on immigration. While she has faced criticism for comments made in 2021 regarding migrants coming to the U.S., her background as the daughter of immigrants resonates with many Latino families. Pascale Small, a Costa Rican American and single mother of three Afro-Latina girls, expressed admiration for Harris‘ commitment to equity and service, highlighting the importance of representation in leadership.
The Hispanic media director with the Harris campaign, Maca Casado, emphasized Harris‘ record of supporting Latinos and their key issues, such as healthcare and gun violence. Casado underscored the campaign’s recognition of the political power of Latinos and their commitment to engaging with and earning the support of this vital voting bloc.
However, there are contrasting views within the Latino community. Bob Unanue, the Hispanic Leadership Coalition chairman for the America First Policy Institute, praised Trump’s commitment to issues such as job growth, education freedom, and border security, suggesting that Harris has failed to address these critical concerns. Unanue’s perspective highlights the diversity of opinions within the Latino community and the need for candidates to engage with a wide range of issues to secure support.
In conclusion, the upcoming election presents a critical opportunity for Harris to engage with Latino voters and address their concerns on key issues such as the economy, immigration, and education. By clearly articulating her positions and engaging with the diverse perspectives within the Latino community, Harris can strengthen her support and appeal to this influential voting bloc. As the election approaches, the engagement and mobilization of Latino voters will be crucial in shaping the outcome and determining the future direction of the country.