Latino voters played a crucial role in Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election, yet many feel they have not been engaged by either major party’s presidential candidates. Vice President Kamala Harris is now facing the challenge of winning over more Latino voters in crucial battleground states like Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Arizona. Pennsylvania, in particular, has seen a growth in its Latino population, making their votes important in deciding the election outcome.
Despite efforts by the Harris campaign to reach out to Latino voters through Spanish-language ads, WhatsApp channels, and events, a recent poll showed that over half of Latino voters have not been contacted by either Harris or former President Donald Trump. Latinos in Pennsylvania, numbering around 600,000, have expressed a desire for better year-round outreach and engagement from political campaigns.
Harris is now ramping up efforts to connect with Latino voters, including adding Hispanic consultants to the campaign, organizing events around Hispanic Heritage Month, and engaging top surrogates to drum up support. However, Harris trails behind Biden’s 2020 margins with Latino voters, and analysts suggest that she will need to secure two-thirds of Latino votes to win.
As Election Day approaches, the Harris campaign is intensifying its efforts to secure Latino support, focusing on key battleground states. The campaign faces pressure as the Trump campaign also targets Latino voters by appealing to economic anxieties and emphasizing Trump’s policies on high prices and border security. Despite challenges, Harris is working to introduce herself to voters, highlight her immigrant background, and distinguish herself from Trump’s rhetoric in a bid to win over Latino voters.
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