Latino Voters in Nevada Favor Kamala Harris Over Donald Trump
In a recent poll conducted by media firm Entravision, Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as the preferred candidate among Latino voters in Nevada. The survey revealed that Harris leads former President Donald Trump by a significant margin of 18 percentage points, with 53 percent of respondents supporting her compared to 35 percent for Trump. This data underscores the growing support for Harris within the Latino community in Nevada, as she continues to solidify her position as the Democratic nominee.
The positive reception of Harris among Latino voters in Nevada is further highlighted by the fact that she is viewed favorably by nearly all demographic groups within the Latino community. In fact, a whopping 62 percent of respondents believe that Harris has a better chance of defeating Trump than President Joe Biden, her running mate. This sentiment is particularly strong among Latino voters who identify as independents, where Trump holds a slight edge at 34 percent compared to Harris at 32 percent.
This poll marks the second instance this week where Harris has garnered more support from Nevada Latino voters than Biden. Following Biden’s exit from the race in July due to declining poll numbers and a lackluster debate performance, Harris has been able to capture the attention and approval of Latino voters in the state. With a favorable rating of +13, Harris outperforms both Biden (-7) and Trump (-13) in terms of approval among Nevada Latinos.
Key Findings and Insights from the Poll
The Entravision poll, which was conducted from July 24th to August 6th in collaboration with BSP Research, surveyed a total of 800 registered voters across Nevada and South Texas, with 400 respondents from Nevada. The survey was conducted online in English (80 percent) and Spanish (20 percent), with a margin of error of 4.9 percentage points. These findings shed light on the shifting political landscape in Nevada, especially among the influential Latino voting bloc.
Latino voters in Nevada, who make up approximately one-fifth of the state’s eligible voters, are considered a crucial and persuadable electorate. Marcelo Gaete, Entravision’s Executive Vice President of Public and Governmental Affairs, emphasized the significance of Latino voters in determining the outcome of elections in Nevada. With nearly half of Latino voters registered as independents, their support can sway the results in a closely contested race.
Interestingly, nearly 50 percent of Nevada Latinos have changed their minds about a candidate after viewing an advertisement, indicating the impact of political messaging on voter preferences. Furthermore, more than half of respondents expressed that they do not have all the necessary information to make an informed decision in the upcoming election, highlighting the importance of outreach and education efforts targeted at Latino voters.
Top Issues and Concerns Among Latino Voters in Nevada
The poll also delved into the key issues that are driving Latino voters’ decisions in the current election cycle. Economic concerns, such as inflation, the economy, and healthcare costs, emerged as the top priorities for Latino voters in Nevada, mirroring the sentiments of other demographic groups. These issues resonate deeply with Latino communities, reflecting their aspirations for economic stability and access to affordable healthcare.
One significant area of concern for Latino voters in Nevada is the proposed policy agenda known as Project 2025, which outlines the priorities for the next Republican presidential administration. A majority of Nevada Latinos surveyed expressed reservations about Trump’s candidacy, with 55 percent citing his role in the January 6th insurrection as a reason for not supporting him. This sentiment underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in political leadership for Latino voters.
Despite these reservations, a considerable segment of Latino voters in Nevada find Trump’s platform appealing, particularly in areas such as border security and immigration. Forty-four percent of respondents believe that Trump would be more effective on these issues compared to Harris, while 46 percent view him as a better candidate on economic matters. The Trump campaign has capitalized on these sentiments by portraying Harris as the “border czar” and emphasizing Trump’s commitment to addressing immigration challenges.
Implications for the U.S. Senate Race in Nevada
In addition to the presidential race, the poll also shed light on the dynamics of the U.S. Senate race in Nevada. Senator Jacky Rosen, a Democrat, enjoys strong support among Latino voters, with 53 percent of respondents favoring her candidacy compared to 22 percent for Republican candidate Sam Brown. The data reveals a stark partisan divide, with 60 percent of Latino Republicans backing Brown, while 85 percent of Democrats are aligned with Rosen.
Despite the clear support for Senator Rosen, a significant portion of Latino voters remain undecided about the U.S. Senate race, underscoring the fluidity of political preferences in Nevada. The outcome of this race could have far-reaching implications for the balance of power in the Senate, as well as the representation of Latino interests at the federal level.
In conclusion, the Entravision poll offers valuable insights into the political landscape in Nevada, particularly among Latino voters who play a pivotal role in shaping electoral outcomes. As the election season unfolds, candidates and campaigns must engage with Latino communities, address their concerns, and provide meaningful solutions to earn their support. The preferences and priorities of Latino voters in Nevada will undoubtedly influence the trajectory of the upcoming elections and the future of political leadership in the state.
