Former President Donald Trump's increasing support among Latino voters poses a significant challenge to the Democratic coalition that has secured victories for over a decade, sparking a tug-of-war over this politically diverse group that could sway elections nationwide.

Polls indicate a notable uptick in Trump's favor among Latino voters since his defeat in 2020, with some surveys suggesting he now commands more than 40% of this demographic—a level of support unseen for a Republican in two decades.

Latinos, Shifting Toward Trump, Land at the Center of the 2024 Campaign https://t.co/V83poQqIGZ

— Deborah Denno (@DeborahDenno) March 17, 2024

The surge

This surge has forced Democrats into a defensive stance as they endeavor to retain the substantial majority of Latino voters crucial for their electoral successes in recent years.

This shift highlights a critical reality for the 2024 election: Neither party can rely solely on white voters to secure victory.

As the battle for both the White House and Congress intensifies in racially diverse states, both Democrats and Republicans must cultivate coalitions inclusive of Black, Asian, and Hispanic voters.

A growing influence

Latino voters are projected to constitute approximately 15% of eligible voters this year, with their presence particularly pronounced in California, where several swing districts could determine House control. Senate power dynamics could also hinge on races in Arizona and Nevada, where Latinos comprise roughly one-quarter of eligible voters.

In recent elections, the fight for the presidency has expanded beyond traditional battlegrounds to encompass states in the Sun Belt. President Joe Biden clinched victory in 2020 with wins in Arizona, Georgia, and Nevada, underscoring the importance of Hispanic voters.

In 2024, both parties are heavily investing in these states to court the significant number of Hispanic voters believed to be up for grabs.

Trump's Latino appeal

The shifts within this diverse demographic defy simple categorization, with variations across regions, generations, and economic backgrounds contributing to the evolving political landscape.

Trump's appeal among Latinos encompasses various groups, including those working in law enforcement along the Mexican border, Cuban Americans in Florida wary of perceived socialist policies, evangelical Christians drawn to Christian nationalism, and second- and third-generation U.S.-born Latinos increasingly aligning with white voting patterns.

A notable trend is the education divide, mirroring broader voter trends. Trump's support is growing among Hispanic voters without college degrees, surpassing his popularity among college-educated Hispanics.

These changes suggest a potential political realignment, with Republicans attracting some Black and Latino working-class voters from the Democratic fold, while Democrats court affluent, college-educated white voters who might have previously aligned with the GOP—a voter exchange that could reshape party dynamics.

As the 2024 election cycle unfolds, the battle for Latino voters intensifies, with both parties grappling to secure their allegiance in a politically diverse and increasingly influential demographic landscape.