The Swing of Latino Voters: A Shift to the Right
One might wonder how Donald Trump managed such a feat, securing an increase in the support among Hispanic voters from 32% in 2020 to a remarkable 46% in 2024, as per CNN exit polls. Not only did his support grow nationally, but it also surged in critical swing states like Pennsylvania, where the Hispanic population, nearly half Puerto Rican, saw a jump in support for Trump to 42% from just 27% four years prior.
Support from Long Island’s Latinas
Oneyda Gallardo from Smithtown embodies the reason for this shift. As a Salvadoran and lifelong Democrat, she found herself voting Republican for the first time in her life. Her frustration stemmed not only from the Democrats’ stance on the economy but also on immigration. "I am a registered Democrat, but that doesn’t make me blind," explains Gallardo, a real estate investor. Her sentiments underscore a broader trend observed both locally and nationally.
- Reasons for the Shift:
- Concerns over the economy
- Immigration policies of the Democrats
- Desire for conservative values and policies
Despite Trump’s previous rhetoric about Latino immigrants, these complex factors aligned to attract a certain segment of the Latino electorate. Economic concerns topped this list, as confirmed by a Pew Research Center preelection poll that stated 85% of Latinos ranked the economy as their primary concern.
The Economic Angle
While some may look at the stock market’s performance under President Joe Biden for economic health, many Latinos remain affected by everyday living costs, including high grocery prices and mortgage rates. Additionally, Trump’s background as a businessman appealed to many within the entrepreneurial Latino community, who value his business-minded approach to governance.
Katherine Cortavarria, an immigrant from Peru residing in Bay Shore, finds herself aligned with Trump’s conservative stances on several issues. Being a Christian, she opposes the Democrats’ push on matters such as marijuana legalization, abortion rights, and sex change operations for young people. Her views resonate with many within the community who seek to uphold traditional family and religious values.
Latinos and Republican Shifts
Jesse Garcia, the first Hispanic to become a county leader in New York State, explains that many Latinos gravitate towards the Republicans due to their alignment on issues like faith, family, and entrepreneurship. Long Island houses around 315,000 voting-age Hispanics, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, which signifies a substantial electorate that could sway future elections.
Values surrounding family and religious beliefs resonate heavily with many within the Latino community. Besides economic concerns, major issues like violent crime and immigration also influence their voting tendencies. A distinct element of Trump’s appeal is his strongman persona, akin to the "caudillo" figures seen in Latin American politics.
The ‘Caudillo’ Appeal
In Latin America, figures like Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez, and others embody characteristics of strong leadership, for better or worse. Trump’s ‘caudillo’ appeal resonates with parts of the Latino community, much like Nayib Bukele’s transformative leadership in El Salvador. While controversial, Bukele’s efforts have drastically reduced crime rates.
Garcia highlights how Trump’s aggressive stance against the MS-13 gang in 2018 bagged him many points within Long Island’s Latino community. However, some see irony in Latinos supporting a figure reminiscent of the authoritarian leaders they historically fled.
Concerns About Democrat Values
Figures like Claudia Rodriguez, another Latina who backed Trump, barely consider his provocative statements. Instead, they focus on the perceived deterioration of values under the Democrats. Rodriguez claims her business prospered under Trump, pointing to the policies over personalities.
Rodriguez and her peers worry about the Democrats’ "woke movement" extremes. Topics like shared bathrooms for transgender individuals trouble her deeply, highlighting broader cultural concerns.
Christian Faith and Political Stances
Luis Guillen, an insurance broker from Huntington Station, voices that his Christian faith plays an imperative role in his political decision-making. Despite acknowledging Trump’s flaws, including legal issues, Guillen believes in Trump’s potential for redemption and wisdom from above.
In summary, the interplay of factors like economy, immigration, and family values urge many Latinos such as Gallardo, Cortavarria, and Guillen to side with Trump. Across Long Island and beyond, this shift signifies a complex electoral landscape where the usual party lines hold less sway, and nuanced realities define personal political journeys.
Bart Jones, the author of this coverage, has extensive experience reporting on religion and immigration issues at Newsday since 2000. His insights draw from a lifetime of reporting, including his tenure as a foreign correspondent in Venezuela.
