Harris Campaign Focuses on Engaging Latino Voters

A summer evening in Washington, D.C., saw a lively gathering at the vice presidential mansion, featuring carne asada tacos, mariachi music, and refreshing margaritas—believed to be a favorite drink of Kamala Harris. The occasion, a backyard barbecue, took on new significance when Harris was elevated to the top of the Democratic ticket just days before the event.

Among those invited was Gaby Pacheco, a prominent Latino leader. During the celebration, Harris shared heartfelt stories about her mother’s journey from India to the United States at the age of 19, expressing pride in her accomplishment of reaching a high position in American politics within just one generation.

Pacheco felt a strong connection with Harris, stating that the way she spoke felt “familiar,” likening it to family dynamics. After the event, Pacheco found herself transformed from an undecided attendee to a supporter of Harris, often reminding herself that Harris is not Latino.

With elections approaching, the Latino electorate holds significant sway. This year, around 36 million Latinos are eligible to vote, making up about 15% of the electorate, as reported by the Hispanic Federation. Notably, a quarter of registered Latino voters will cast their ballots for the first time.

Analysts estimate that Harris needs to secure around two-thirds of the Latino vote to position herself for victory. However, recent polls indicate that she has not yet reached this threshold.

As Democrats gather for their national convention in Chicago, the need to engage with this diverse demographic is pressing. Latino voters come from various backgrounds, each influenced by factors such as geography, income, education, and unique immigration stories. Polls indicate that they identify as Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano, Puerto Rican, Cuban, among others.

“To win Latino votes, candidates must make a concerted effort,” said Gary Segura, a political science professor at UCLA who has conducted polling for the Harris campaign. “For years, Latino voters were sidelined, but the Harris campaign is focused on this demographic, particularly due to her connections in California.”

Data from an August poll by the Hispanic Federation and Latino Victory reveals that nearly three-quarters of Latino voters are likely to vote in November. Harris has seen a surge in enthusiasm since taking over the ticket, with 59% planning to vote for her and 35% for Trump, according to a recent survey.

A separate poll conducted by Univision revealed support for Harris slightly lower at 53%, compared to 38% for Trump. Reports suggest that about one-third of Latino voters continue to favor Trump.

Luis Miranda, board chair of Latino Victory, emphasized the necessity for Harris to expand her appeal to Latino voters, not only in key states such as Arizona and Florida where the Latino demographic is considerable but also in states with smaller Latino populations like Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.

Responses from surveyed Latino voters show a need for more clarity on Harris’ policy positions. Only one-third reported being aware of her stances, presenting an opportunity for the Republican Party to frame her narrative if her campaign does not define her effectively in these communities.

To bolster outreach, the Harris campaign kicked off new initiatives during the convention, launching a bilingual WhatsApp group called “Latinos con Harris-Walz.” Julie Chávez Rodriguez, campaign manager and granddaughter of labor leader César Chávez, created the group, urging participants to spread the word among their families and friends.

At the same time, pocketbook issues are at the forefront of Latino voters’ minds. Polls consistently show that inflation and job security are their top concerns. In the Hispanic Federation poll, 60% cited inflation, while 38% prioritized jobs and the economy. The Univision poll echoed these sentiments with slightly varying numbers.

Political analyst Jerónimo Cortina emphasized that bringing enough Latino voters to the coalition can be more impactful than attempting to capture the entire demographic. He suggests that appealing to various segments within the Latino electorate can yield different results, pointing out that while Puerto Rican voters tend to support Democrats, Cuban voters in Florida often lean Republican.

The gender gap is also notable. Latina women show strong support for Harris, with a reported two-thirds in her favor, while only 50% of Latino men expressed the same sentiment.

This divide might stem from how some Latino men perceive the brashness exhibited by Trump, which they may find appealing rather than off-putting. Conversations in communities reflect a complex relationship with these dynamics.

As the convention buzzes with approximately 50,000 Democrats, many Latino and Latina leaders are present, advocating for stronger outreach. Delegates like Jacob Garcia of Washington have voiced concerns regarding the need for more proactive efforts to engage Latino voters effectively.

In playful contrast, the backyard barbecue remained vibrant with DJs and traditional treats. This setting included members of the Biden administration, establishing a connection with the Latino community. Pacheco, who became a citizen last year, expressed her commitment to voting, viewing it as a crucial aspect of American democracy.

As she prepares to participate in her first presidential election, she reflects on the significance of her vote, emphasizing that it is a powerful act of participation in shaping the nation’s future.

Source: USA TODAY