Recent data published last month is reshaping the understanding of Arizona’s Latino voters and serves as a critical alert for Democrats who may assume their support is guaranteed. This new information reiterates what grassroots organizations have long argued: Latino voters are a diverse group with varied political views and priorities, not defined by a single issue.
Arizona’s Latino voting population has surged to 1.3 million, doubling since 2000, and now constitutes 25% of the state’s electorate.
Latino Voter Engagement
A recent survey by Data for Social Good and Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA) gathered insights from over 1,000 Latino voters in April and May 2024. This effort, considered one of the largest of its kind in Arizona, aims to empower the Latino community politically.
Alejandra Gomez, LUCHA’s executive director, stated, “Our work does not stop on election day, beyond 2024 we plan to use this data to continue building political power for Latinos in Arizona and across the country.” The survey revealed that:
- Many Latino voters feel the Republican Party is not addressing their issues.
- Over 90% plan to vote in the 2024 election, with 77% expressing certainty, indicating strong turnout potential.
- Nearly 80% believe voting is the most effective way to enact change.
- Political views among Latino voters are varied: 40% moderate, 36% liberal, and 25% conservative.
Importantly, nearly 30% of respondents identify as neither Democrat nor Republican. While Democrats remain preferred, they hold more than twice the support compared to Republicans. Gomez remarked, “They aren’t being swayed by empty rhetoric, they’re making informed decisions based on their values and the issues that matter most to them.”
Political Dynamics
Data indicates a misconception that Latinos are gravitating toward the Republican Party. However, this does not equate to a full alignment with Democrats either. Gomez suggested that Latino voters in Arizona align more with Democratic values rather than the party itself.
Lisa García Bedolla, President of Data for Social Good, emphasized the diversity within the Latino community, stating “While there does tend to be similarities in opinions among Latinos, it’s not for biological or cultural reasons, but for the shared set of lived experiences.” She highlighted that immigration, often considered a primary concern, is not the sole issue for Latino voters.
Community Trust and Political Outreach
The Latino community places significant trust in organizations like LUCHA over political parties. Gomez explained that LUCHA engages with the community year-round, not just during elections, to understand and address their needs. This approach builds trust and credibility, influencing Latino voters’ perceptions of political candidates.
LUCHA’s efforts include extensive door-to-door canvassing, reaching over 600,000 homes to gather insights for future outreach. This data-driven approach ensures that their advocacy resonates with the Latino community’s real concerns.
