BTN News: Kamala Harris’s entry as the Democratic presidential nominee has sparked significant enthusiasm among Latino voters and leaders in the United States. As the largest minority group in the country, Latinos represent a critical voting bloc, particularly in an election expected to be highly competitive. However, while there is excitement around Harris, particularly given her background as the daughter of immigrants, Latino voters are eager to hear more about her positions on key issues like the economy, immigration, and education. These topics are of paramount importance to the community, and many voters are still undecided or open to supporting a third party, especially among the younger generation.
Vanessa Cruz Nichols, a political science professor at Indiana University, highlights the challenges Harris faces. She points out that while Harris has the potential to appeal to Latino voters, she must work hard to win over independents and those disillusioned with the political process. For Harris to secure the critical support of young Latino voters, who are increasingly less partisan and more likely to abstain from voting or consider third-party options, she must clearly communicate her stance on the issues that matter most to them.
Latinos make up 19.5% of the U.S. population, according to the 2020 census, making them a powerful force in the electorate. Harris’s candidacy has already garnered support from influential Latino groups, yet there is a strong sense that her success hinges on her ability to energize young Latino voters. Maria Teresa Kumar, president of Voto Latino, notes that Harris’s candidacy has led to a “coalescence of the community,” with many young Latinos who initially considered voting for a third party now willing to support the Democratic ticket.
However, there is a lingering uncertainty about Harris within the Latino community. A July poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research revealed that only about 4 in 10 Latinos expressed optimism about the Democratic Party’s future. At the same time, the community remains divided on Harris herself, with 44% holding a favorable view and 43% an unfavorable one. Despite this, around half of Latino adults indicated they would be satisfied with Harris as the Democratic nominee, a notable increase from previous months.
For some, like Guillermo Francisco Cornejo, a 35-year-old small business owner of Peruvian-Mexican descent, Harris represents a safeguard against the potential return of Donald Trump. Cornejo, who was initially undecided, was swayed by the fear of Trump’s policies and now plans to vote for the Democrats, viewing Harris as highly capable of leading the country. This sentiment reflects the broader anxiety among some Latino voters about the direction of the country under Trump’s leadership, particularly regarding immigration and economic policies.
Harris’s nomination has also been officially endorsed by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), marking the first time the organization has supported a presidential candidate in its nearly 100-year history. This endorsement is significant, as it signals trust in Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, to advocate for the Latino community and the country as a whole. Domingo García, the former president of LULAC, emphasized the importance of ending policies of hate against Latinos and immigrants, which have been prevalent in recent years.
However, Harris’s past comments on immigration, particularly her 2021 statement advising migrants not to come to the U.S., have drawn criticism. These remarks were made while she was overseeing diplomatic efforts to address the root causes of migration from Central American countries. While some see this as a misstep, others believe that Harris’s immigrant background resonates with many Latino families, offering them a sense of representation and understanding.
The choice of Tim Walz as Harris’s running mate has also been noted for its potential to strengthen the campaign’s appeal in key battleground states like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. These states are crucial for winning the presidency, and Walz’s track record in defending democracy, voting rights, and working-class families aligns well with the values of many Latino voters. The presence of a significant Puerto Rican population in Pennsylvania, who are U.S. citizens and can vote once they move to the mainland, also presents an opportunity for Harris to solidify her support.
Charlotte Castillo, the managing director of Poderistas, a nonprofit organization focused on increasing civic engagement among Latina women, underscores the importance of the Latino vote. She emphasizes that Latinas, often seen as the decision-makers within their families, have the potential to wield significant influence in the election. Castillo believes that consistent outreach by both parties is essential to secure the Latino vote, noting that once engaged, the community tends to remain involved in the political process.
In summary, Kamala Harris’s candidacy has energized a significant portion of the Latino community, but there is still much work to be done. To secure the support of this crucial voting bloc, Harris must clearly articulate her positions on issues that matter most to Latinos, particularly the younger generation. Her ability to connect with Latino voters on a personal level, coupled with strategic outreach efforts, will be key to winning their votes in what promises to be a tightly contested election.
