LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Latino Donor Collaborative (LDC), a think tank dedicated to producing research that highlights economic opportunities for growth, today unveiled its latest report, “2024 LDC U.S. Latino Voter Report™: The Ever-Evolving U.S. Electoral Landscape.” This comprehensive report dispels the persistent myth that Latinos are politically disengaged and underscores their critical and growing role in shaping U.S. electoral outcomes at both state and national levels.
With Latinos accounting for 71% of U.S. population growth between 2022 and 2023 and representing 13.4% of the electorate—projected to rise to 14.7% (36.2 million) by 2024—their growing political influence is undeniable. As one of the fastest-expanding voter groups, Latinos have seen higher registration and voter growth rates compared to White and Black voters since 2000. This report highlights the transformative role Latinos have played in shaping U.S. elections, showcasing their record voter growth rates and decisive impact on key state outcomes. It also underscores the need for political parties to engage this vital electorate with targeted, authentic outreach efforts.
“The findings in this report shatter the long-held myth that Latinos are disengaged or apolitical,” said Ana Valdez, CEO and President of LDC. “In fact, Latinos are a decisive force in shaping both local and national elections. Political parties can no longer afford to rely on outdated narratives and stereotypes. To truly understand and engage with this vibrant community, they must invest in authentic, meaningful outreach efforts that reflect the real issues Latinos care about.”
“Latino voters are the driving force behind some of the most significant electoral shifts in the U.S.,” said Sol Trujillo, Co-founder and Chairman of LDC. “Our community is young, dynamic, and deeply invested in the future of this country. This isn’t about party loyalty or one-off promises; it’s about addressing the real issues that impact Latino lives. The data in this report makes one thing clear: political leaders who don’t engage meaningfully with Latino voters are missing the mark entirely. We are shaping the future with every vote.”
“Latinos are a sophisticated electorate,” said Dr. RL Nuñez Villanueva, head researcher for this report and digital humanities scholar. “Our research shows Latino voter turnout ranges between 80%-88% once registered, debunking myths of political apathy. It’s essential that political leaders approach Latinos as a dynamic and diverse group that reflects the full complexity of U.S. society.”
Key Findings from the Report Include:
- Latinos Have the Power to Swing Elections: The report provides compelling evidence of how Latinos have been instrumental in key state elections in the past, including those in California, Nevada, Florida, Washington, and Arizona. Latinos played a crucial role in flipping states like Nevada and Arizona, and their influence in battleground states continues to grow.
- Young Latinos are a Political Game Changer: Twenty-five percent of young Americans are Latino, 94% of whom are U.S.-born, with English as their first language. As the fastest-growing group of eligible voters, they represent a new generation of voters that cannot be ignored. Latino youth are poised to be a defining force in future elections, with about 1.4 million Latinos becoming eligible to vote each year.
- Latinos as a Defining Factor in Future Elections: With Latinos accounting for nearly 71% of U.S. population growth between 2022 and 2023, their influence in elections will continue to grow. States like Arizona, Texas, and Florida, where Latino populations are expanding rapidly, are becoming increasingly dependent on the Latino vote.
- Latino Voters Are Impacting Swing States: Five out of the seven U.S. swing states have large and growing Latino populations. In Arizona and Nevada, Latinos make up 27% and 21% of all eligible voters, respectively. In North Carolina and Pennsylvania, the double-digit percentage change in their Latino populations—in just three years—provides a window into how Latinos are poised to transform these states’ political landscapes.
- Latinos are Interested in Politics: Contrary to popular belief, the majority of Latinos are highly engaged in politics. Once registered, Latinos have a strong tendency to vote, with registered voter turnout rates ranging from 80%-88% between 2008 and 2020.
- Sophisticated Voters: Latinos are not a monolithic voting bloc. The report shows that the Latino vote is influenced by multiple factors, including demographic variables, issue prioritization, and partisanship. This dispels the myth that Latinos vote solely based on immigration or other singular issues.
- Latinos Lead Cultural and Social Change: Latino youth, in particular, are driving a cultural renaissance in the U.S. They are unapologetically self-defining what it means to be Latino and American, embracing their roots while influencing broader social values. Their passion for social justice, equity, and community makes them a formidable force, both in the voting booth and in shaping America’s future.
- Latino Vote Mobilization and Engagement: The report highlights the critical role non-partisan Latino organizations have played in mobilizing the Latino electorate, particularly in response to anti-Latino rhetoric and policies. Latino voters have consistently pushed back against political threats through increased voter registration and higher turnout, as seen in California’s Prop 187 and the 2020 elections in Arizona.
- No Party Can Take the Latino Vote for Granted: The Latino vote must be earned. Relying on assumptions or outdated myths about the Latino electorate is a missed opportunity for political parties. The report stresses that Latinos care deeply about multiple issues, including healthcare, the economy, gun policy, and social justice, and political players must take these concerns seriously to win their support.
“Latino voters are reshaping America’s electoral landscape, and we’ve only begun to see the full extent of their power,” added Valdez. “This report not only presents the facts but also provides a roadmap for how political players can engage Latino voters more effectively. Ignoring or underestimating this electorate is no longer an option.”
The report offers critical insights into the strategies political campaigns must adopt to secure Latino votes in upcoming elections. This includes increasing representation in key political positions, offering solutions that resonate with Latino communities, and ensuring campaign outreach reflects an authentic understanding of the Latino experience. The data and growth metrics highlight that Latino voter participation will shape outcomes in key battleground states in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, as well as pivotal congressional elections across the nation.
About Latino Donor Collaborative
The Latino Donor Collaborative (LDC) is an independently funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and think tank. The LDC has consistently provided economic and business data through meticulous research and fact-based insights. Its reports have become essential tools for U.S. resource allocators, highlighting the growing opportunities presented by the myriad contributions of U.S. Latinos across the social spectrum. Learn more at https://www.latinodonorcollaborative.org/.
