Opinion Editor’s Note: Strib Voices publishes guest commentary daily online and in print. Click here to contribute.
Recent election results have sparked much debate, especially about the role of the Latino vote, a constituency that is often oversimplified and misunderstood. As an immigrant from Peru who has seen firsthand the diversity of our community, I was not surprised by Donald Trump’s reelection. The Democratic Party has been unable to fully connect with a significant portion of the Latino population, largely due to a lack of clarity and messaging.
Latinos are not a monolith. Our community is a mosaic of different nationalities, experiences, and values. Many of us have fled violence, corruption, and broken governments in pursuit of the American Dream: a dream of working hard, having a stable family, and living your life on your terms. While some Latinos lean towards progressive ideals, others are very conservative, rooted in family values and Christian faith. These differences are profound and affect how we perceive political parties and their policies.
This diversity is often ignored by political strategists who assume a one-size-fits-all approach. For example, Democrats sometimes operate under the assumption that Latinos are loyal to them, especially because of their stance on immigration. But history tells a different story. In 2008, the Obama administration, despite having a majority in Congress, failed to enact immigration reform and quietly carried out large-scale deportations. This history remains fresh in the minds of many Latinos, leading to skepticism about promises made during the campaign.
What we need is true connection and understanding. The issues most important to Latinos are not limited to immigration. Economic opportunity, education, health care, and safety resonate just as strongly. Parties that cannot effectively communicate their plans on these fronts risk alienating this electorate. Furthermore, negative attitudes and failure to recognize our personal stories can create political apathy.
Consider the example of immigrants fleeing socialist or dictatorial regimes. Many people see reflections of these systems in the policies and rhetoric of certain left-wing politicians, leading them to vote conservative. This is not about party loyalty, but a deep-seated fear of history repeating itself. Others, especially those born in the United States and younger generations, are prioritizing issues such as climate change, reproductive rights, and racial justice, reflecting generational divides within their communities.
The highly polarized broader American political system exacerbates the challenge of engaging with Latino voters. In 2016, Donald Trump’s harsh rhetoric on immigration alienated many people, but he also failed to offer solutions to an already broken immigration system. Both sides need to move away from extreme positions and embrace a dialogue rooted in empathy and realism. Like other Americans, Latinos are tired of promises without results. No matter who is in office tomorrow, I’m going to do what I’ve always done. We work hard to build a better future for our families and communities. Politics may set the framework, but the real work is done in local communities, where neighbors work together to create meaningful change. This is where we have to focus our energy.
