About seven in 10 Hispanic voters supported Democrats in Tuesday’s US legislative and state elections, according to a New York Times analysis based on its polls with Siena: 69% backed Democratic candidates versus 30% for Republicans. The polls confirm high dissatisfaction among Hispanic voters with Donald Trump’s administration, as with the general population. In Texas, Latino turnout is estimated to have driven the election of Gina Hinojosa as the state’s first Hispanic governor and of senator-elect James Talarico, both Democrats.
LULAC president Domingo García called Latino participation historic and decisive in every Texas Democratic win. In central Florida, analysts say Latino mobilization, particularly among Puerto Ricans, helped Democratic congressman Darren Soto prevail in the 9th district over Republican Dan Green despite redistricting that left him at a roughly 18% disadvantage. Latino Victory Fund president Katharine Pichardo also highlighted Hinojosa’s win and Xavier Becerra’s election as California governor, noting the former congressman and former US Health secretary is the son of Mexican immigrants.
All polls and exit polls showed the economy and cost of living as voters’ top concerns, along with corruption and immigration. An UnidosUS/BSP Research survey found an overwhelming majority of Hispanic voters, regardless of party, support a balanced immigration system including a path to citizenship for long-term residents. The Times/Siena analysis showed women voted 61-38 for Democrats, men 51-48, Black voters 91-8, with support highest among 18-29 year-olds (72%) versus 52% among those 65 and older.