The Latino seismic shift: Why Latinos supported Donald Trump
In a historic turn of events, the 2024 presidential election witnessed a significant realignment within the Latino electorate. For the first time in American history, a majority of Latino men cast their votes for the Republican candidate: Donald Trump. This shift is not merely a statistical anomaly but a profound statement reflecting the community’s evolving values and priorities.
A historic milestone
Exit polls indicate that approximately 54% of Latino men supported Donald Trump in the recent election, marking a substantial increase from previous years. Overall, Trump garnered about 45% of the Latino vote nationwide, a notable rise from his 2020 performance. This trend was particularly evident in Puerto Rican-dominated counties in South Florida, where the Republican vote share saw significant gains.
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Understanding the shift
Several factors contributed to this unprecedented support:
1. Rejection of progressive ideologies: Many Latino voters expressed disapproval of Critical Race Theory (CRT), Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and wokeism, viewing them as divisive and misaligned with their cultural values.
2. Opposition to socialism and Marxism: Having personal or familial experiences with socialist regimes, particularly among Cuban and Venezuelan communities, many Latinos are wary of policies they perceive as leaning towards socialism.
3. Stance on cultural issues: The community showed resistance to policies allowing biological men in women’s sports and opposed late-term abortions, aligning more closely with conservative viewpoints.
4. Economic concerns: The handling of the economy, including inflation and job security, was a significant factor. Trump’s economic policies resonated with many Latinos seeking stability and growth.
5. Immigration policies: While immigration is a nuanced issue within the Latino community, there is a growing sentiment against open-border policies and the provision of resources to illegal immigrants at the perceived expense of American citizens.
6. Government overreach: Concerns about big government and intrusion into personal lives, especially regarding parental rights in children’s upbringing, influenced the shift towards a candidate advocating for limited government.
7. Commitment to Israel: A strong commitment to Israel, especially among Hispanic Christians, also played a role. Many Hispanic Christians view support for Israel as a key moral and spiritual issue, aligning with Trump’s clear stance on U.S.-Israel relations.
Implications for the future
This electoral outcome challenges long-standing assumptions about the Latino electorate’s political leanings. It underscores the community’s diversity and the importance of addressing their specific concerns rather than viewing them as a monolithic voting bloc. Both political parties must recognize and adapt to these evolving dynamics to effectively engage with Latino voters in future elections.
The more the Democratic Party goes left, the more the Hispanic community goes right. Which means what? Without a course correction, the Hispanic community is poised to emerge as a significant pillar in the future of America’s conservative movement.
Rev. Samuel Rodriguez is president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, executive producer of “Breakthrough” with 20th Century Fox and author of From Survive to Thrive: Live a Holy, Healed, Healthy, Happy, Humble, Hungry, and Honoring Life (Charisma House Publishing), and Your Mess, God’s Miracle (Chosen Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, 2023). CNN and FOX News have called him “the leader of the Hispanic Evangelical movement” and TIME magazine nominated him among the 100 most influential leaders in America.
