In a Historic Night for Hispanic Candidates and Voters, Anger Over The Economy and Immigration Overreach Fuel Record Latino Turnout

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One of the largest surveys of Hispanic midterm voters in the country shows Latino voters demand action from both parties and the new Congress

WASHINGTON — Today, UnidosUS and the Latino Community Foundation released the most in-depth data available on what drove a record number of Hispanic voters to the polls in the 2026 midterm elections. Latino voters showed up to the polls motivated by economic discontent and a rebuke of immigration overreach — not party loyalty —  and issued an urgent demand for action from both parties and the incoming Congress. Hispanic findings from the 2026 Midterm Election Voter Poll reveal a decisive swing that helped determine control of Congress and historic gubernatorial races. 

These findings reveal an electorate increasingly concerned about the direction of the country, with the economy at the center of voters’ decisions. Half of Latino voters say they have nothing left over financially or are financially struggling, while more than four in 10 expect President Trump’s economic policies to leave them worse off. A majority disapprove of his handling of the economy, immigration enforcement and other key issues. Meanwhile, Democratic candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives won the Latino vote by a wide margin, outperforming the party’s 2024 showing, as Latino voters demonstrated their willingness to shift party support based on candidates’ ability to address their concerns. The findings also underscore the growing influence of a renewing electorate, with about four in 10 Latino voters casting their first ballot in 2022 or later.

“The 2026 election was a breakthrough moment for the Latino community. Fueled by anger over the economy and a failed mass deportation campaign that has made Latinos the target of harassment, abuse and violence, Latino voters had the largest turnout ever in a midterm election and cemented their status as a key swing vote,” said Janet Murguía, president and CEO of UnidosUS. “As a result, not only were Hispanic voters the decisive factor in a watershed election, but the community also made historic gains in Congress and in the statehouse, where for the first time, a Latino and a Latina are the governors-elect of the two largest states in the country.” 

“This is not a moment for elected officials to take Latino voters for granted. Both parties have work to do to earn and keep their trust, and the new Congress will be measured by whether it listens to the mandate being delivered at the ballot box this year,” Murguía added. 

“After relentless attacks on the community, Latino voters showed up in record numbers for a midterm and had a profound impact on races up and down the ballot,” said Julián Castro, CEO of the Latino Community Foundation. “For Latinos, voting is the best way to create a future in which working families can achieve their dreams. This election is only the beginning — now it’s time to ensure Latino civic power translates into economic power that expands opportunity and builds prosperity for our communities.”     

“Last night, we saw a swing electorate in full force, responding directly to economic pressures and attacks on our communities,” said Yadira Sanchez, executive director at Poder Latinx.  “Kitchen-table issues like the rising cost of everyday essentials and immigration attacks proved to be decisive. Latino youth — the so-called ‘No Sabo’ kids — have become the ‘Sí Votan’ generation, mobilizing their families and voting early alongside a monumental turnout from Latinas. When our communities are engaged year-round, they shape elections. This success provides a clear roadmap to sustain our momentum through 2027 and into 2028.”

TOPLINES | The Hispanic Swing Driven by Pocketbooks, Not Party Loyalty 

The 2026 midterm elections are being decided, in significant part, by working-class Latino voters driven by economic pressures, rejection of immigration cruelty and demands for accountability from both parties. Accounting for more than half of the country’s growth in eligible voters between 2022 and 2026, Hispanic voters have a significant presence in at least 12 of the most competitive congressional districts that, coupled with record turnout, means the Hispanic swing played a decisive role in determining control of Congress in yesterday’s midterm elections. The data reveals their motivations at the ballot box.

  • On the Economy — Cost of living and inflation are Latino voters’ top priorities, with everyday expenses driving economic concerns:
  • 58% identify cost of living and inflation as one of the top three issues elected officials should address, making it the leading concern by a wide margin.
  • 54% cite food and grocery costs as a primary cost-of-living concern, followed by housing costs (41%) and gasoline prices (38%).
  • Half of Latino voters say they have nothing left over financially or are struggling to make ends meet; more than four in 10 (43%) expect President Trump’s economic policies to leave them worse off.
  • On Immigration — In addition to the issue of affordability, Latino voters went to the polls to reject abusive and cruel immigration policies and actions by ICE: 
    • 90% of Latino voters support a balanced immigration system that includes an earned path to citizenship for long-term residents, accountable interior enforcement, legal immigration channels and border security; support remains high across party affiliations, including 88% of Republican voters.
    • 27% identify immigration reform and ICE as one of their top three concerns, following the cost of living; 68% oppose the $240 billion appropriation for ICE.
    • 76% support reforms requiring ICE agents to wear clearly identifiable uniforms and body cameras, prohibiting masks and restricting the use of force.
  • On the Hispanic Swing — Approximately 38% of Latino voters are seen as the “moveable middle” (independent, undecided or crossing party lines). Latino voters demonstrated that their support cannot be taken for granted:
    • Democratic House candidates won 67% of the Latino vote, a 10-point improvement over Kamala Harris’s 56% showing in 2024. Democratic candidates led in every state surveyed.
    • Democratic candidates also secured majority support in Senate races (63%) and gubernatorial contests (66%).
    • Latino voters who supported Trump in 2024 were more likely to cross party lines than Harris voters; 17% of 2024 Trump voters supported Democratic House candidates in 2026, compared with 3% of Harris voters who supported Republican candidates.
  • On Engagement and Outreach to Latinos — This election cycle, Latino voters report greater outreach from campaigns and candidates in the 2026 election than previously experienced:
    • More than six in 10 Latino voters (61%) report being contacted by a political party, campaign or other organization about registering or voting. Democrats reached 32%, compared with 23% contacted by Republicans; 13% heard from nonpartisan or civic organizations.
    • While much of the outreach came in the month before the election, the election’s competitive nature, coupled with increased outreach, is a contributing factor in turnout rates and supports the fact that meaningful outreach is essential.
  • On Civil Rights — Latino voters expressed significant concern about the erosion of civil rights, civil liberties and the checks and balances intended to protect American democracy:
    • Nearly three-quarters (72%) say civil rights and liberties are either no longer secure or under threat. Additionally, 63% worry that they or their families and communities could be targeted by government policies because of their race, ethnicity, religion, language, immigration status or national origin.
    • More than eight in 10 Latino voters (82%) are concerned that the Supreme Court is not exercising its role in checking government power, while 79% are concerned that Congress is not exercising its oversight responsibilities.
  • On Voting Rights and Civic Participation — Latino voters demonstrate strong support for protecting voting rights and reflect an electorate that continues to bring new participants into the political process:
    • More than three-quarters (77%) support a new Voting Rights Act.
    • Four in 10 Latino voters (40%) say they first voted in 2022 or later. Among Latino voters ages 18-29, that figure rises to 72%, highlighting the continued participation of younger and newer voters.

PRIORITIES | Latino Voters Deliver a Mandate to the New Congress 

This year’s midterm elections aren’t just a verdict on the past two years; they’re a mandate for the next two years. The clearest mandate is lower costs, strengthen wages — and the next Congress ignores them at its peril. And there is majority Hispanic voter support for Congressional action on the following policy measures:

  • 79% support creating a program for universal childcare or early childhood education at low or no cost to families of all incomes. 
  • 76%support restoring full federal funding to food and nutrition programs (SNAP/food stamps) that were cut in 2025.
  • 75% support restoring the tax credits that were cut, to help people buy health insurance through the Affordable Care Act.
  • 66% support reversing the 10-year, $1 trillion funding cuts to Medicaid enacted in 2025.
  • While a majority of Latino voters (63%) say they have greater trust in the Democratic Party to address top issues, the swing in this electorate underscores that Latino voters’ support must be earned and sustained through continued engagement and meaningful action on their priorities.

 

Significance of the Data 

The Hispanic findings of the 2026 Midterm Election Voter Poll offer the most robust and reliable insights on Latino midterm voters available for three reasons. 

  • Scale: More than 3,000 Hispanic respondents who actually cast a ballot in the 2026 midterms, this is one of the largest surveys of Hispanic midterm voters. 
  • Depth: The survey goes beyond horse race numbers to capture the “why” behind the vote — economic anxieties, immigration concerns, party preferences and policy priorities that drove Latino voters’ choices at the ballot box. That depth provides a window into what Latino voters will demand from the new Congress, and the potential implications for 2028 if those demands are not met with action. 
  • Diversity: The survey includes oversamples in Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Texas, as well as composite samples of House and Senate battlegrounds —  capturing the full geographic, demographic and political diversity of the Latino electorate in a way that national samples don’t. 

 

About the 2026 Midterm Election Voter Poll and U.S. Hispanic Findings

The 2026 Midterm Election Voter Poll is a collaboration of 16 national organizations committed to shedding light on voter priorities and sentiment across the American electorate. It includes American Indian, AAPI, Black, Hispanic and white voters, and was conducted from October 20 through November 2. On the Hispanic voter front, BSP Research surveyed 3,050 Hispanic voters who cast a ballot in the 2026 midterm elections, in the voter’s chosen language. The national survey includes oversamples in Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Texas, and in U.S. House and Senate battlegrounds.

 

  • Click HERE to watch a replay of the webinar. 
  • Click HERE to see a slide presentation of the poll’s national toplines. 
  • Click HERE to view crosstabs. 

 

UnidosUS will release additional state and district findings through a series of virtual state briefings over the next several days. Reporters can register for the briefings below:

  • Arizona: Monday, November 9, 2026 | 3:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM MT / 12:00 PM PT 
  • Florida: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 11:00 AM ET / 10:00 AM CT / 8:00 AM PT 
  • Texas: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 2:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM CT / 11:00 AM PT 

 

Methodology:

  • Total N=3,014 Latino voters in the 2026 midterm election (+/- 1.8%)
    • N=803 Battleground Congressional Districts (±3.5%)
    • N=1,368 Battleground Senate States (±2.6%)
    • N=844 Texas (including N=176 Rio Grande Valley) (±3.4%)
    • N=516 Florida (±4.3%)
    • N=337 Arizona (±5.3%)
    • N=421 California (±4.8%)
    • N=241 Michigan (±6.3%)
  • Field Dates: October 20 – November 3, 2026
  • Survey available in English and Spanish, according to respondent preference
  • Administered via live phone, text invite and online panels
  • All respondents voted in the 2026 election

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About UnidosUS  

UnidosUS is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that serves as the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. Since 1968, we have built a stronger America by creating opportunities for Latinos and breaking down barriers to expand economic and social progress for all. UnidosUS partners with an Affiliate Network of nearly 300 community-based organizations across the United States and Puerto Rico. For more information on UnidosUS, visit www.unidosus.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and Threads.

 

About the Latino Community Foundation 

The Latino Community Foundation (LCF) is the nation’s largest Latino-serving foundation. Since 1989, LCF has been on a mission to unleash the civic and economic power of Latinos in California and beyond. To date, LCF has raised $100 million to build lasting Latino civic and political power nationwide. For more info, please visit latinocf.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.   

 

About BSP Research 

BSP Research is a Latino-owned polling, research, and analytics firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 2021 by Matt Barreto and Gary Segura, who have more than two decades of experience in national polling and research, BSP Research is a leading research and analytic firm with expertise on the political and social views of the American population and beyond. BSP has industry-leading expertise in culturally competent research on communities of color and other forms of disadvantage, and extensive experience in bilingual polling and data gathering from all varieties of communities.