In the aftermath of Donald Trump's re-election as President of the United States on November 7, 2024, a significant shift in voting patterns among young Black and Latino men has emerged. Political consultant Luis Miranda Jr. has criticized the media's portrayal of Latino voters, emphasizing that the focus should not solely be on demographics but also on broader voting trends. Trump secured 46% of the Latino vote, an increase from 34% in 2020, with young Latino men showing particularly strong support [b22512ec].
Among those who supported Trump is Brian Leija, a 31-year-old small-business owner from Belton, Texas, who cited beneficial economic policies, particularly tax cuts, as his reason for voting. Similarly, DaSean Gallishaw, a 25-year-old consultant from Fairfax, Virginia, criticized Democrats for failing to fulfill their promises to minority communities. The 2024 election saw Trump gaining a larger share of Black and Latino voters, especially among men under 45, with about 30% of Black men in this age group voting for him, double the share from 2020 [b22512ec].
In California, the shift among Latino voters towards Trump was particularly pronounced. Economic concerns and border security issues played a significant role, with Trump receiving a larger vote share in at least 9 of 12 Latino-majority counties compared to 2020. Polls indicated that while 55% of Latino respondents supported Kamala Harris, 43% backed Trump, reflecting a notable change in sentiment [b090a5ff].
Younger Latino voters like Marlyn Huesgew Mendoza, a 25-year-old, cited improved family circumstances under Trump as a reason for their support. This sentiment was echoed by young voters like Alexis Uscanga, a 20-year-old college student, who noted rising costs as a reason for her support [b22512ec][b090a5ff].
The election results indicate that economic stability has become a priority for many Latino and Black voters, overshadowing traditional issues like immigration. Juan Proaño, CEO of LULAC, noted that Trump's economic messaging resonated strongly with Latino voters, while Rev. Derrick Harkins highlighted Trump's appeal to young men of color [b22512ec].
Experts debate whether this shift among Latino voters signals a lasting change away from the Democratic Party. Many Latino voters express frustration with the economy under the Biden administration, as the poverty rate among Latinos rose to 16.9% in fall 2023 [b090a5ff]. Miranda cautioned against scapegoating Latino voters for Trump's success, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of their motivations. The implications of mass deportations, he warned, would extend beyond Latino communities, affecting white Americans who rely on immigrant labor for various jobs. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Terrance Woodbury pointed out the emergence of men of color as swing voters, indicating a potential shift in future electoral strategies for both parties [b22512ec].