Kamala Harris's nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate has sparked excitement among Hispanic leaders and voters across the United States, who are eager to hear her detailed positions on key issues such as the economy, immigration and education.
Vanessa Cruz Nichols, associate professor of political science at Indiana University, commented on Harris's remarkable potential to connect with Hispanic voters. However, she stressed the need for Harris to broaden her appeal to include independents and typically non-voting segments to secure their votes in the upcoming November election.
“Harris needs to reintroduce himself and clearly communicate his positions on a variety of issues,” Cruz said. “He faces the difficult task of engaging voters, especially young Hispanics who often feel disengaged and may be inclined not to vote or to choose a third-party candidate.”
Hispanics, who make up 19.5% of the U.S. population according to the 2020 Census, are a key demographic in the presidential election. Harris, with her immigrant background, resonates with influential Latino groups. That connection is seen as crucial to mobilizing young Hispanic voters, whose enthusiasm could significantly affect the outcome of the election.
Following President Joe Biden’s decision to step aside, Maria Teresa Kumar, president of Voto Latino, observed a significant rally within the community. A focus group conducted by the organization revealed that more than half of young Latinos who had initially leaned toward third-party candidates were now considering a switch to the Democratic ticket.
Kumar stressed, “There is no viable path to the White House without directly engaging the young Latino vote. Our strategy for national impact is based on young people.”
Polls reflect a wide range of opinions among Hispanic voters about Harris. An AP VoteCast poll showed Biden favored by more than 60% of Hispanic voters in 2020, with Trump winning 35% support. However, a recent Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll showed mixed feelings about the future of the Democratic Party, highlighting the need for targeted outreach.
Hispanic adults show a nearly even split in their perception of Harris, with about half saying they are satisfied with her performance as the Democratic nominee, a significant increase since July.
The campaign has seen active engagement by Harris, who has addressed issues vital to Hispanic communities, such as immigration reform and economic policy. Her outreach efforts are bolstered by testimonials from community leaders and activists who see her representation and policy commitments as key factors that could influence Hispanic voters.
Among critics, Bob Unanue, president of the Hispanic Leadership Coalition for the America First Policy Institute, contrasts Harris's approach with Trump's, noting a perceived greater commitment to Hispanic interests within Trump's policies.
As the campaign heats up, Harris’s ability to convey her platform and connect with Hispanic voters could be critical in swing states with significant Latino populations, such as Pennsylvania. Engaging these voters, who have proven they can significantly impact election outcomes, remains a top priority for both parties as they adjust their strategies to more effectively reach and mobilize this key demographic.