Carmen Hernández
As the United States gears up for the 2024 presidential election, the race between former President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris is set to be a historic showdown. On November 5, voters will not only choose the next leader of the country but also cast ballots for all members of the House of Representatives, one-third of the Senate, and a range of state and local offices.
Among the electorate, the Latino voting bloc is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the results. With over 36 million Latinos eligible to vote—accounting for 15 percent of the total voting population—this demographic has become increasingly influential. Not only is it the second-fastest-growing voting group, but its diverse composition could tip the balance in several key states, including the battlegrounds of Arizona and Nevada, as well as large states like California, Florida, and Texas.
Latinos have historically leaned toward the Democratic Party. In the 2020 election, President Joe Biden secured 59 percent of the Latino vote, a figure that fell within the traditional Democratic advantage. However, shifts have been observed, with some pockets of Latino voters showing increased support for Republican candidates, underscoring the group’s growing complexity.
What makes this demographic particularly unique is its youthful nature. A striking 31 percent of eligible Latino voters are between the ages of 18 and 29, compared with just 20 percent of the overall electorate. This younger group, coupled with the fact that 22 percent of Latinos are projected to be first-time voters, suggests the potential for significant electoral shifts. Since the 2000 election, the Latino electorate has grown by an impressive 153 percent, reflecting their increasing political clout.
As Election Day draws near, both parties are intensifying efforts to appeal to Latino voters, recognizing that their preferences could determine not only the outcome of the presidential race but also the future composition of Congress and other legislative bodies. With their numbers and influence on the rise, Latinos are poised to be one of the most critical voting blocs in 2024.
