Latinos will be a big part of Trump taking battleground state: Political consultant

Former President Donald Trump took the stage in Las Vegas last night, firing up his supporters and reminding them that Nevada could be the tipping point for the next presidential election. Trump emphasized how crucial November 5th would be and how a victory in Nevada might secure the White House. His energy was met with cheers, and for good reason—the upcoming election in Nevada looks closer than anyone anticipated.

Trump’s Growing Appeal Among Latino Voters

Although Trump lost Nevada in the past two election cycles, new polling suggests he and Vice President Kamala Harris are now virtually tied. The Latino vote is shaping up to be a decisive factor, and according to Jesus Marquez, a political consultant and spokesman for the Latino Coalition backing Trump, there’s growing support among Hispanic voters.

Marquez highlighted a significant shift: Latinos are moving away from traditionally supporting Democrats and increasingly toward Trump. He pointed out that Trump is pulling numbers with Latinos that previous Republican candidates have never reached, holding firm to the belief that Latinos could help tip Nevada in Trump’s favor.

The Role of Immigration in Shifting Latino Allegiances

It’s no secret that immigration is always a hot-button issue, and conventional political wisdom suggests open immigration policies should appeal to Hispanic voters. But counter to this assumption, Marquez explains that illegal immigration is actually steering Latino voters toward Trump.

According to Marquez, many Latinos are frustrated with the current administration’s handling of immigration. He cited how millions of undocumented immigrants have crossed into the U.S. over the past few years, and the perception is that these new arrivals are jumping the line, benefiting from services that established working-class Hispanics never had access to. As a result, many Latino voters feel these new immigrants are putting additional strain on social services while also competing for jobs.

This isn’t just a theoretical concern. It’s personal. Many Latinos who are part of the U.S. working class see the influx of undocumented immigrants as directly impacting their wages and job opportunities. What’s more, they view the wide-open borders as a failure of the current administration—specifically Vice President Harris and President Biden.

Inflation and Economic Concerns Loom Large

Marquez didn’t stop at immigration. The economy is another big factor in why Latinos may be shifting to Trump. Inflation is hitting Latino families hard, and it’s affecting everything from groceries to housing.

When asked about inflation, Kamala Harris has been accused of evading the issue. Marquez pointed out how during a debate, Harris was questioned about inflation and gave a bizarre, off-topic answer that didn’t address the severity of the situation. She did the same thing during an interview with a local reporter in Pennsylvania, talking about her lawn instead of offering any solutions. For Hispanics in particular, inflation can’t be ignored. Many are working just to keep food on the table, pay for their kids’ education, or save up to buy a home.

Marquez went on to say that the cost of living has skyrocketed because of the high levels of government spending in the last few years, and it’s having a disproportionate impact on working-class communities, especially Latinos. Families feel that when Trump was in office, the economy performed better, and they long for a return to those days.

The Hidden Impact of Illegal Immigration on Wages

It’s not just inflation that has Latinos worried. The surge in illegal immigration is also pushing down wages for working-class Americans, including Hispanic-Americans. Marquez noted that when undocumented immigrants flood the job market, it increases competition for jobs in industries that many Hispanics depend on, ultimately driving wages down.

Historically, Cesar Chavez—one of the most well-known figures in the fight for labor rights—was outspoken against illegal immigration for this exact reason. He believed it would depress wages for Hispanic workers, and now we’re seeing those concerns play out in real-time. For many Latinos, the issue isn’t just who’s coming into the country but the broader economic impact those policies are having on their own lives.

Policy Proposals That Could Sway the Latino Vote

As the rally wrapped up, Marquez discussed some specific policy ideas that could appeal to working-class Hispanic voters in Nevada. He mentioned two proposals: removing taxes on tips and getting rid of taxes on overtime pay. Both of these measures would directly benefit many Hispanic workers in industries like hospitality and service—fields that are significant in Nevada’s economy.

These policies might not grab national headlines, but for Latinos in Nevada, they hit home in a big way. Cutting taxes on tips and overtime could make a substantial difference in take-home pay, something that’s crucial for many working families as inflation continues to eat into their wallets.

Conclusion

With Nevada shaping up to be a battleground state in the upcoming election, all eyes are on the Latino vote. Trump’s rising support from the Hispanic community could play a crucial role in determining who wins the state—and possibly the presidency. From concerns about immigration and inflation to specific policy proposals around wages, the issues that matter most to Latino voters are pushing them toward Trump.

As the campaign heats up, it’s clear that both sides are going to have to fight for every last vote in Nevada. And in the end, this critical demographic could be the deciding factor.