Midterm Election Results Highlight Importance of Engaging the Growing Hispanic Electorate

Both parties must meaningfully engage Latinos and show progress on key issues ranging from the cost of living to extremism

WASHINGTON, DC – While final vote counts are not yet available, it is clear that Latinos, the second-largest group of voting-age Americans, showed up to the polls and made their voices heard in the 2022 midterm elections.

Clarissa Martinez De Castro, Vice President of UnidosUS Latino Vote Initiative, released the following statement:

“Hispanic voters affirmed their critical role in shaping the country’s political landscape both as voters and as candidates. We are thrilled to see that as many as seven more Latinos and Latinas could be joining Congress and dozens more winning seats at the state and local level. With more Latino representation, we hope to see greater action on addressing issues that are priorities for the Hispanic community and the majority of their fellow Americans.”

“Overall, this election was consistent with historic Hispanic voter voting patterns, with two-thirds of Latinos supporting Democrats and one-third supporting Republicans. While there are local exceptions, that pattern continues to hold.”

“Latinos are also sending a wake-up call to both parties. While polling shows that a majority of Latinos see their values more aligned with the issue positions of Democrats, the traditional midterm headwinds and deep concerns over inflation, combined with uneven or late outreach to these voters, were factors in Republicans gaining some ground. Democrats have ample room to solidify and expand Hispanic support, but as we have said before, they must engage these voters earlier and more deeply and strengthen their economic message.”

“And for Republicans to sustain or increase their support among the Latino electorate, they will need to pay attention to the fact that their overall platform is radically out of step with these voters’ priorities in most areas, including abortion, gun violence, health care affordability, and immigration.”

“Underscoring the importance of meaningful engagement with Hispanic voters, it’s important to note that there has always been a swing element among these voters, that every election sees a significant number voting for the first time – 36% of Hispanic voters are voting in a midterm election for the first time this year, for example—and that every year approximately one million Latino US citizens turn 18 and become eligible to register and vote.”

“According to findings from the 2022 Midterm Election Voter Poll (MEVP),  pocketbook issues like inflation, gas prices and health care costs were the dominant concern of Latino voters. These findings track with long-standing Latino concerns about the ability to make ends meet. Equally critical is that Latino voters reject extremes, oppose taking away rights from everybody else—as illustrated by their views on abortion—and want to see progress on challenges facing our country and elected officials willing to work together to get things done.   An overwhelming majority, 82% of Latino voters, want to see immediate action to protect DREAMers, 89% want legislation to ensure all eligible Americans can vote without barriers, and 70% are concerned about elected officials who stay quiet and do not speak out against white nationalists and extremists who promote hate and attacks against minorities and immigrants.” 

“As we continue for wait for final decisions in key states and races, we are reminded that our elections have stood the test of time because our democracy has abided by established rules and procedures. No matter how long it takes to count the votes, elections are about voters, and Americans deserve a fair and complete vote count, and for the voices of all voters to be respected.” 

About UnidosUS  

UnidosUS, previously known as NCLR (National Council of La Raza), is the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. Through its unique combination of expert research, advocacy, programs, and an Affiliate Network of nearly 300 community-based organizations across the United States and Puerto Rico, UnidosUS simultaneously challenges the social, economic, and political barriers that affect Latinos at the national and local levels. For more than 50 years, UnidosUS has united communities and different groups seeking common ground through collaboration, and that share a desire to make our country stronger. For more information on UnidosUS, visit unidosus.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.