The Latino Swing: Can Harris or Trump Secure the Latino Vote?

Not since 2000 has there been such a polarizing presidential election in the United States, and now, more than ever, demographics are being considered the key to potential victory. Among them, the Latino vote is an increasingly important factor. With the community being one of rich culture, whose presence in several battleground states is remarkably strong, it is little surprise that both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have followed suit with actions intended to secure Latino support through remarkably different strategies. This article sets out to review the contemporary situation and opportunities available for both candidates to secure this very important voter bloc.

The Latino Demographic: Diverse and Politically Complex

Indeed, the Latino constituency throughout the United States is far from being homogeneous. They are immigrant and second- or third-generation Americans from such diverse countries as Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic who form the core of Latino voters known to have varied social and economic priorities. While Hispanic voters, concentrated in states such as California, Texas, and Arizona, may identify immigration reform as a key issue, Cuban-Americans in Florida tend to adhere more to the conservative foreign policy agenda in U.S.-Cuba…