(The Center Square) – The Arizona Republican Party and Latino Americans for Trump hosted an event Friday afternoon rallying Hispanic voters behind former President Donald Trump. Also in attendance was Rep. Steve Montenegro.
“Kamala Harris’ failed policies have crushed Hispanic communities across Arizona,” reads a statement from Jaime Florez, the Trump Campaign Hispanic communications director. “From historic inflation that’s made everyday life more expensive, to rising crime rates that threaten our neighborhoods, and a border crisis spiraling out of control, Hispanic Americans are feeling the brunt of her failed leadership. Under President Trump, we will return to policies that promote economic opportunity, safety, and prosperity for Hispanic families and all Americans.”
Local business owners and Hispanic community members echoed this sentiment on Friday, saying that in the past four years their businesses have suffered due to the Biden-Harris administration.
“This country is run by small business owners like me,” said Business Owner Terry Mendoza. “I can’t wait until this election is over, so I can go back to being an American.”
Montenegro also noted that Hispanic poverty levels are below pre-pandemic levels.
“Inflation is killing us,” he said. “We need President Trump.”
The issues discussed as most important to the Hispanic community included poverty levels, inflation and securing the border. It was also noted that Hispanic voters are one of the key demographics when it comes to tipping the dial in an election.
“This is the voting bloc that will determine the fate of the presidential election,” said AGOP Chairwoman Gina Swodoba.
While Republicans claim that they have secured that voting bloc, a poll conducted by Noble Predictive Insights indicates that Harris has a narrow lead over Trump among Hispanic voters. However, almost 40% of Hispanic voters polled did say that they “strongly disapprove” of President Joe Biden’s presidency.
When polled on the issues mentioned as important to Hispanic voters, 41% said that they believe Trump is better equipped to handle immigration to Harris’ 38%. However, when it comes to reducing inflation, 43% of Hispanic voters said that they trust Harris over Trump. Additionally, Harris ranked 10% higher than Trump among Hispanic voters when it comes to creating affordable housing.
When it comes to the Arizona U.S. Senate race, Democratic Candidate Ruben Gallego polled much higher than Republican Candidate Kari Lake among Hispanic voters, with 51% saying they would vote for Gallego. Additionally, 45% of Hispanic voters polled said they think Gallego is better equipped to address immigration, compared to Lake’s 36%. Gallego also had a lead when it came to addressing inflation and affordable housing.
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While Hispanic voters seem to be more aligned with Gallego in the Senate race, the presidential election is much closer not only among Hispanic voters, but all Arizona voters.
“President Trump has done more for the Hispanic community and they’ve seen it,” Montenegro said. “What matters to the Hispanic community is results. We will deliver Arizona for President Trump.”