In Pennsylvania, the Latino vote is becoming increasingly important, with a growing population that could have a significant impact on the outcome of elections. DJ VJ Mar, a radio host in Allentown, has seen his Latino audience grow rapidly across the rustbelt strongholds of southeastern and central Pennsylvania. The Hispanic/Latino population has increased by more than 40% in Pennsylvania since 2010, making it a key demographic for politicians to engage with. The 222 Corridor, encompassing cities like Reading, Allentown, Lancaster, and York, has seen significant growth in its Hispanic population, giving them increasing electoral power.
In the 2020 election, Joe Biden won Pennsylvania by roughly 80,000 votes, with strong support from Latino voters. However, there are concerns that this support may be slipping, with some Latinos considering a vote for Trump. Democrats like Cynthia Mota, the first Latina city council president of Allentown, are urging for more resources and investment in engaging Latino voters to ensure they turn out in large numbers. Both the Biden campaign and the Republican Party are making efforts to appeal to Latino voters, recognizing the potential impact they could have on the election outcome.
The Biden campaign has launched initiatives like “Latinos con Biden” to mobilize Latino voters across key battleground states, including Pennsylvania. They are investing in advertising campaigns and outreach efforts to ensure that Pennsylvania Latinos are not taken for granted. However, some Republicans see an opportunity to appeal to Latino voters who may be looking for a change and could dent Biden’s support in the upcoming election. The Republican National Committee has outlined plans to reach out to voters who have been traditionally missed by the party but has not provided specifics on pursuing Latinos.
Despite outreach efforts from both parties, many Pennsylvania Latino voters remain concerned about Trump’s rhetoric towards migrants and immigrant communities. While some, like Angie Chapman, a Trump supporter, appreciate his stance on the economy and immigration, others, like Democrat Fermin Diaz, support Biden for his economic policies and defense of democracy. Juan Martinez, a small business owner, is undecided and looking for a candidate who can prioritize the well-being of the people and move the country forward. Ultimately, Pennsylvania’s Latino voters will play a crucial role in the upcoming election, and both campaigns are making efforts to engage and mobilize this demographic.
