Latino voters and leaders are expressing enthusiasm about Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee, but they are also seeking clarity on where she stands on key issues such as the economy, immigration, and education. Vanessa Cruz Nichols, an assistant professor of political science at Indiana University, believes that Harris has the potential to appeal to Latino voters, but she will need to work hard to win over independents and those who are undecided about voting in the upcoming election. Cruz emphasizes the importance of Harris reintroducing herself and clearly articulating her stance on various issues to attract voters, especially young Latinos who may be more nonpartisan or considering voting for a third-party candidate.
As the largest minority group in the United States, Latinos play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of presidential elections. With 19.5% of the total population, Latinos form a significant voting bloc that candidates must engage with to secure victory. Harris, as the daughter of immigrants, has garnered support from influential Latino groups, with many believing that her success hinges on energizing young Latino voters. Maria Teresa, president of Voto Latino, highlights the importance of the young Latino vote, stating that there is no path to the White House without their support. She notes that engaging young people is key to steering the country in a different direction.
In the 2020 election, the majority of Latino voters supported Joe Biden, with a significant portion also backing Donald Trump. However, a recent poll revealed that optimism about the future of both the Democratic and Republican parties among Latinos is relatively low. Despite this, there is a growing satisfaction with Harris as the Democratic nominee, indicating a shift in sentiment within the Latino community. Guillermo Francisco Cornejo, a small-business owner of Peruvian Mexican descent, initially planned not to vote but changed his mind after Biden endorsed Harris. He expresses concerns about the potential impact of another Trump presidency on the country.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) recently endorsed Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, marking the first time the organization has backed a presidential candidate since its establishment in 1929. Domingo Garcia, chairman of LULAC Adelante PAC, emphasizes the importance of supporting candidates who prioritize the needs of the Latino community and condemn hate-mongering and scapegoating of Latinos and immigrants. Despite past criticisms of Harris regarding her handling of migration issues, her background as the daughter of immigrants resonates with many Latino families, providing a sense of representation that could sway their vote.
Harris’s campaign has been actively engaging with Latino voters, highlighting her support for key issues such as healthcare and gun violence. Maca Casado, the Hispanic media director for the Harris campaign, emphasizes the campaign’s recognition of Latino political power and the importance of not taking their votes for granted. However, Bob Unanue, chairman of the Hispanic Leadership Coalition for the America First Policy Institute, argues that Trump’s commitment to issues like job growth, education freedom, and border security resonates more with Hispanic voters. Despite differing opinions, experts believe that Harris’s choice of Tim Walz as her running mate will help the campaign appeal to voters in crucial battleground states.
Charlotte Castillo, managing director of Poderistas, a nonprofit organization focused on increasing civic participation by Latinas, underscores the influence of Latinas in driving decisions within their families and communities. She emphasizes the need for consistent outreach from both parties to engage Latino voters effectively. Castillo believes that Latinas have the potential to make a significant impact in the upcoming election and stresses the importance of sustained engagement to secure their support. Ultimately, the party that demonstrates a genuine commitment to addressing the concerns of Latino voters is likely to earn their trust and votes in the election.