Kamala Harris Gains Latino Voters in Nevada, Trump and Biden Lose Interest
Kamala Harris has been on an intense campaign tour of critical states, which concluded this weekend in Las Vegas. The Vice President is surpassing President Joe Biden by 12 percentage points among registered Hispanic voters in Nevada, but she still lags behind the level of support the former president garnered among Hispanic voters in 2020, as indicated by a new survey from the Democratic firm Equis Research.
The report, published on Wednesday, found that Harris has been more successful in regaining the support of Nevada Latinos who had an unfavorable opinion of both Biden and former President Donald Trump. The survey indicated that Harris is leading Trump by 19 percentage points among registered Hispanic voters in seven critical states: Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, Nevada, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. This marks a 14-point shift from Biden’s advantage over Trump among these same voters in Equis’s most recent survey.
“We found that the shift in support spans all ideologies,” said Maria Di Franco Quinonez, Equis’s research director, in an interview on Wednesday. “Liberal, moderate, and conservative voters are backing Harris at higher rates than they did Biden.”
Comprising approximately one in five of the state’s eligible voters, Latinos are a key voting bloc in Nevada. However, a memo attached to the survey found that while Harris’s support among Latino voters is about 5 percentage points below 2020 levels in Nevada, the Vice President has “some room if non-Latino support levels remain relatively stable.”
Equis’s report is the first significant survey conducted among Latinos since Harris became the Democratic candidate for president. The survey was conducted from July 22nd to August 4th in English and Spanish, with 2,183 registered voters identifying as Latinos or Hispanics in 12 critical states, including Nevada. The margin of error is 2.9% for the complete sample of 12 states and 3.7% for each state’s results.
Harris has been on an intense campaign tour of critical states, which ended this weekend in Las Vegas. Her Saturday event drew over 12,000 attendees, making it one of the largest political events in modern Nevada political history.
So far, Latino support for Democrats in Nevada has been less defined, especially compared to other minority groups. In June, 33% of registered Latino voters in Nevada “definitely” supported Biden, while 30% definitively endorsed Trump, according to a TelevisaUnivision survey.
Exit polls in 2020 indicated that over a third of Nevada Latinos voted for Trump, showing a growing Republican support among that demographic group. While Democrats hoped to continue gathering Latino support with a more liberal immigration platform, several surveys suggest that Latinos are embracing stricter immigration measures and increasingly trusting how the Republican Party handles them.
Trump’s campaign attacks have focused on Harris’s role in investigating border crossings, referring to her as the “border czar” of the Biden administration and blaming her for the increase in such crossings. However, Di Franco Quinonez believes that message is “a bit one-dimensional.” Recent Equis surveys show that Trump’s stricter immigration policies, particularly the idea of mass deportations, are viewed very unfavorably among Latino voters, especially those who are undecided.
Challenges and Opportunities for Harris
As Harris continues to make inroads with Latino voters in Nevada, she faces both challenges and opportunities in solidifying support within this crucial demographic. While her lead over Trump among Hispanic voters is significant, the gap compared to Biden’s previous support levels indicates room for improvement.
One of the challenges Harris faces is the shifting landscape of Latino political preferences. With a growing number of Latinos considering conservative viewpoints and policies, Harris must navigate a diverse and evolving electorate to secure their backing. The traditional Democratic stronghold among Latino voters is no longer a given, requiring Harris to engage with their concerns and priorities effectively.
Additionally, the issue of immigration remains a contentious topic that can sway Latino voter support. Harris’s stance on border security, deportation policies, and pathways to citizenship will play a vital role in shaping how she is perceived among Latino voters. Building trust and credibility on these issues will be crucial for Harris to maintain and expand her lead among Hispanic voters in Nevada and other critical states.
On the other hand, Harris has a unique opportunity to leverage her position as the first female Vice President and the highest-ranking woman in U.S. history to appeal to Latino voters. Her trailblazing role in breaking gender and racial barriers resonates with many Latinos, particularly women and young voters, who see her as a symbol of progress and representation.
By highlighting her personal story, policy accomplishments, and commitment to inclusivity, Harris can strengthen her connection with Latino voters and differentiate herself from her predecessors. Emphasizing her advocacy for social justice, healthcare access, and economic equity can further solidify her appeal to a diverse electorate that values these issues.
The Road Ahead for Latino Voters
As Latino voters in Nevada and across the country navigate their political choices, they are faced with a complex landscape of competing priorities and narratives. The diverse Latino community encompasses a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, making it imperative for candidates like Harris to engage authentically and meaningfully with this demographic.
For Latino voters, key issues such as immigration reform, healthcare access, economic opportunity, and education are critical factors in determining their support for political candidates. Harris’s ability to address these concerns with empathy, understanding, and concrete policy proposals will be pivotal in securing lasting Latino voter support.
Furthermore, the impact of external influences, such as media messaging, community outreach, and political events, can shape Latino voter attitudes and behaviors. Harris’s engagement with grassroots organizations, cultural institutions, and local leaders can enhance her visibility and accessibility to Latino voters, fostering a sense of connection and trust.
Ultimately, the road ahead for Latino voters in Nevada and beyond is paved with opportunities for meaningful engagement, representation, and empowerment. By recognizing the unique needs and aspirations of the Latino community, candidates like Harris can build a coalition of support that reflects the rich diversity and potential of this vital demographic.
In conclusion, Kamala Harris’s gains among Latino voters in Nevada reflect a shifting political landscape that presents both challenges and opportunities for the Vice President. As she continues to engage with this critical demographic, Harris must navigate complex issues, build trust, and demonstrate her commitment to addressing the concerns of Latino voters. By leveraging her unique position, advocating for key policy priorities, and connecting authentically with the Latino community, Harris can solidify her support and make significant strides in securing Latino voter loyalty in Nevada and beyond.