Hispanics will boost Democrats in 2016 US elections

Subject

Hispanic voters in the United States.

Significance

The rising share of the electorate formed by Hispanic voters presents opportunities and threats for both the Democratic and Republican parties. The increase in Hispanic political influence will alter the political calculus in a number of key US policy debates, ranging from immigration to normalisation of relations with Cuba.

Impacts

• Congress is unlikely to act on immigration reform until well after the 2016 elections.
• Republicans in more diverse states may have more success in reaching out to Hispanic voters than at the federal level.
• Generational assimilation and distance from the immigrant experience may mute the partisan leanings of US-born Hispanic voters.