Independent Latino voters emerge as one of the largest swing groups for 2024
Cami Mondeaux
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First-time Latino voters are outpacing the number of first-time non-Hispanic voters in a number of key swing states ahead of the 2024 elections, raising the stakes for both parties to engage with the crucial voting bloc.
The number of Latino voters ages 18-34 jumped in states such as Arizona, Nevada, New York, and Texas, according to an analysis by TelevisaUnivision and L2 data. A significant number of those new voters identify as independent or nonpartisan, opening the door for both parties to make headway before the 2024 cycle.
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The GOP made major gains with Latino voters in Florida during the 2022 midterm elections, with Gov. Ron DeSantis winning in heavily Hispanic districts that no other Republican candidate in the state has won in several decades. Those gains were a sign of hope for Republicans, who have typically underperformed their Democratic counterparts in the voting group.
During the 2022 House races, 60% of Latino voters backed Democratic candidates compared to 39% who voted for Republicans, according to exit polls.
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However, much of their voting behavior can depend on where they live as Florida Hispanics are more likely to vote Republican compared to those who live in California who tend to vote Democrat, L2 executive vice president Paul Westcott told Axios. But even that could change in the coming years, he added.
“This shows that candidates need to get their messages out early and need to go after younger Latino voters,” Michele Day, TelevisaUnivision’s senior vice president, told the outlet.