US parties vie for expanding Latino vote

Significance

Sixty-two million people in the United States, almost 20% of the population, now self-identify as Latino, and they form an increasingly diverse part of the electorate. Although almost half of them live in just two states, California and Texas, those are the largest by population and account for 20% of seats in the House of Representatives.

Impacts

• A focus on gun control could benefit Democrats in Texas to some degree but will be more effective for them in California.
• Democrats were heavily outspent in the June House race in Texas and cannot afford to take such seats for granted in November.
• Only 54% of eligible Latino voters cast ballots in 2020, giving both parties an incentive to encourage young first-time voters.
• The Democrats’ social agenda may leave them increasingly vulnerable with a Latino electorate that is 85% non-college-educated.