Inspired by strong Latino turnout in a Texas primary, Democratic candidates in Colorado, Arizona, and Nebraska are focusing on Latino voters to flip Republican-held districts. These efforts come amid growing enthusiasm among Latino communities, which could prove decisive in tight races. Strategists see this as a chance to regain ground lost to Republicans in recent elections.
Democrats are intensifying outreach to Latino voters following record turnout for candidate James Talarico in a recent Texas primary. This surge has prompted candidates in several competitive districts to prioritize Latino engagement ahead of their primaries.
In Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District, where Republican Rep. Don Bacon is retiring, Democrat Denise Powell is emphasizing Latino voters, who make up about 10 percent of the district in areas like South Omaha. Powell noted the importance of every vote in a contested primary on May 12, stating, “Especially when you have a contested primary in a year like this, every vote matters... we’re not taking anything for granted.” Her opponent, state Sen. John Cavanaugh, is also pursuing an aggressive Latino voter contact plan, citing his legislative work with the Hispanic community.
Colorado's 8th District, held by Republican Rep. Gabe Evans and 39 percent Latino, features multiple Democratic contenders. Manny Rutinel, a bilingual Latino candidate, highlighted local concerns, saying, “This is Colorado’s most Latino district... folks right now are feeling both scared... about what’s happening with ICE brutality... and they’re also feeling energized to fight back.” Fellow candidate Shannon Bird has knocked on doors in Hispanic neighborhoods and secured endorsements from labor unions with Latino membership. The primary is set for June 30, potentially leading to a Latino vs. Latino general election matchup.
In Arizona's 6th District, represented by Republican Rep. Juan Ciscomani—who won by fewer than 6,000 votes in 2022—Democrat JoAnna Mendoza aims to capitalize on the area's significant Latino population, where one in three residents is Latino. A Democratic strategist described the district as including parts of Tucson, a major Air Force base, and border areas.
These efforts build on Democratic overperformance in Latino-heavy districts in Virginia and New Jersey last year, contrasting with Republican gains among Latinos, including in President Donald Trump's 2024 victory. RNC spokesperson Zach Kraft asserted, “Democrats haven’t learned a thing from the historic realignment among Hispanic voters... Trump’s agenda of secure borders, safe communities, and a strong economy resonates.” Strategist Chuck Rocha advised early engagement, noting, “They vote for Trump, they vote for Mikie Sherrill, they just showed up [in Texas] in record numbers... you should start talking to them sooner with a persuadable message.”
Despite historically low midterm turnout among Latinos, recent trends suggest increased participation could influence these razor-thin races.
