Changing political dynamics among Latinos reveal a shift towards Republican support, driven by concerns over the economy, crime, and immigration. Many Latinos, like Freddie Lopez, express dissatisfaction with Democratic identity politics and advocate for legal immigration while emphasizing traditional values such as family and freedom. Critiques of the Democratic approach highlight a disconnect with Latino voters, particularly regarding issues like abortion and the impact of Covid-19 lockdowns. Concerns over crime and drug addiction in Democrat-led cities further bolster the appeal of Republican ideologies among this demographic.
Changing Political Dynamics Among Latinos
“We Latinos voted for Trump for the same reasons as other Americans: because of the economy and crime,” shares Freddie Lopez. At just 23 years old, he serves as the vice-chairman of the Republican Party in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He expresses a sentiment echoed by many Latinos and members of other minority groups: their voting behavior doesn’t need to be explained through a demographic lens. Instead, they are voting simply as Americans, which is a positive development.
The Republican Party is evolving and is no longer exclusively associated with white voters. The shift is noteworthy, as Latinos and Hispanics now represent 15 percent of American voters, making them a crucial demographic for any candidate. Historically, Latinos have leaned towards the Democratic Party, but in the most recent elections, 42 percent cast their votes for Donald Trump—an all-time high for a Republican candidate, up from 32 percent in 2020.
Concerns Over Immigration and Identity Politics
Trump’s appeal has also extended to other minority groups, such as African Americans and Native Americans, who similarly supported him in record numbers. This is particularly striking given the prevalent perception that Republicans are the party of white Americans, while Democrats represent non-white demographics. Many Latinos, particularly in New Mexico where they constitute 49 percent of the population, articulate their reasons for supporting Trump.
Lopez, who grew up in Santa Fe and works in his family’s art gallery, expresses concern over the Democrats’ focus on identity politics. “The Democrats promote divisive identity politics based on race,” he argues. “This approach is regressive, as it values origin and skin color over individual beliefs.” He believes the election results indicate a societal rejection of this divisive mentality. Interestingly, it is Trump, not Vice President Harris, who has managed to unite a broad coalition of diverse groups who do not define themselves solely by these affiliations.
On the topic of immigration, Lopez emphasizes the frustrations of legal immigrants regarding illegal immigration. “We support legal immigration, but it’s frustrating for those who’ve followed the rules to see others enter without consequence,” he states. Living in a border state, he believes securing the border is essential, especially with the ongoing issues related to drug smuggling, notably fentanyl.
Lopez also critiques the Democrats for their paternalistic attitude toward Latinos, suggesting that they assume Latinos will always vote for them without truly understanding their values. He points out that many Latinos vote for Democrats out of a reliance on welfare, as New Mexico struggles with poverty and limited job opportunities. “Many work for the state and rely on government checks,” he explains.
Amy Sanchez, the executive director of the Republican Party in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, shares her perspective on the values that resonate with many Latinos. “Family, religion, and freedom are crucial for us,” she states, emphasizing that these principles align more closely with Republican ideologies than Democratic ones. While many Latinos have traditionally voted Democratic, they often find themselves more in tune with Republican values.
Abortion is another significant issue where many Latinos, particularly Catholics and evangelicals, hold conservative views. Sanchez points out that the harsh lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic in Democrat-led cities had a profound negative impact on the community. Many young people suffered educational setbacks, and the overall mental strain was substantial. “The public was encouraged to report gatherings, which felt like tyranny,” she reflects.
As a political science graduate, Sanchez notes the immense pressure to conform within academic and social settings. She encourages open discussions about Republican views, which have often been dismissed or marginalized. The rise of alternative platforms and social media has begun to shift this narrative, and she hopes that the stigma around being a Republican will lessen in the future, revealing that Trump supporters are, in fact, a significant portion of the American populace.
Lastly, Sanchez expresses concern over the deteriorating conditions in Democrat-led cities like Albuquerque, where neighborhoods struggle with high rates of drug addiction and crime. She describes areas plagued by issues that disproportionately affect lower-income Latino residents, underscoring a need for effective governance and community support.