Hispanic voters are increasingly focused on kitchen-table issues

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American Hispanics comprise one group that may tip election outcomes. More than 36 million Latinos were eligible to vote in 2024, according to The LIBRE Initiative. A June McLaughlin & Associates survey found that Hispanic voters now back Republicans over Democrats 48 to 43 on the generic congressional ballot, a GOP lead for a demographic group that traditionally leaned Democratic.

In 2024, Trump won nearly 50 percent of the Latino vote, a record high for a Republican presidential nominee. These voters tend to be motivated by economic concerns: inflation and housing are top issues according to the McLaughlin poll, the same issues that concern most Americans.

“Across Pennsylvania and the country, Hispanic voters are increasingly focused on kitchen-table issues like inflation, housing affordability, and job opportunities. Policies that empower families, entrepreneurs, and workers, not bigger government, are resonating with communities that value hard work and upward mobility,” said LIBRE PA Strategic Director Jennie Dallas.

In the same McLaughlin poll, Latinos were in favor 56 to 28 percent of changes in the law to entice older homeowners to sell to free up housing for younger people by doubling the capital gains deduction on sale of their primary residence from $500,000 to $1 million. That housing bill, passed in June, also included restrictions on institutional investment housing purchases, along with reforms to regulation and zoning.

“On the 21st Century Road to Housing Act, we support the provisions that remove federal barriers to housing, such as streamlining environmental permitting. However, because housing is primarily a state and local issue, Congress should focus on removing obstacles to development rather than expanding federal subsidies and mandates, which can discourage private investment and increase housing costs,” Dallas said.

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