Latino Voters Paved the Path to Major Victories in Key Elections Across the Country - Voto Latino

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Latino Voters Paved the Path to Major Victories in Key Elections Across the Country

Washington, D.C. — Tuesday night’s elections across the country resulted in historic wins that further highlights the decisive power that Latino voters hold at the ballot box. From Virginia to New Jersey, Latino voters helped deliver victories that demonstrate both their political strength and their growing influence on America’s future. 

In response to Tuesday night’s results, Voto Latino issued the following statement: 

“Tuesday’s election was a clear rebuke of President Trump and Republican leadership’s failed economic policies. Off-year elections often have low voter turnout yet Tuesday night proved that voters understood the importance of this election and showed up to make their voices heard. In New York City, voters broke the turnout record that had not been seen since 1969. For Latinos, this election was personal. The top issues for Latino voters were cost and affordability, healthcare, and trust in governance—a trust that has eroded due to the chaotic and harsh immigration policies. At a time when Latino families are facing unprecedented uncertainty, our community made clear that we will not be ignored or silenced.

What we witnessed this week was just a preview of what’s to come. As we head into the 2026 midterm cycle, we must build on this progress so that we can harness the power of the Latino electorate. Candidates must speak clearly to our issues and  early investment in voter outreach in our community  must be a priority. When our families are targeted by harmful policies, we will make our voices heard at the ballot box, and ensure that our communities are treated with the dignity and respect we deserve.”

The Latino vote made monumental gains in the following elections: 

  • In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger won by the largest election margin in the last two decades. Of the 95 counties in Virginia, all but 5 shifted towards Spanberger compared to the 2024 presidential election. The three counties with the largest Latino population in the Commonwealth all overwhelmingly voted for Spanberger: Fairfax County (72.2%), Loudon County (64.3%), and Prince William County (66.7%). Lastly, Manassas, where almost half of the population is Latino (46%), shifted by a drastic +16 percentage points, and Spanberger won by +36 percentage points. 
  • The same phenomenon unfolded in New Jersey that shattered the predicted expectations for Mikie Sherrill. Passaic County, where nearly half of the population is Latino (44%), increased by an even greater +18 pp, propelling Sherrill to a +15 percentage points victory margin in the county. Furthermore, CNN exit polls from Tuesday night calculated Latino support for Sherrill at 68% and 31% for Ciattarelli, indicating that Sherrill’s Latino support not only exceeded 2024 levels but also surpassed 2020 levels. Notably, Latino men swung back in double digits and supported Sherrill by a margin of +23 percentage points. 
  • Latino voters overwhelmingly made their way to the polls to vote in favor of Proposition 50. According to NBC News exit polls, 71% of Latino voters voted in favor of Proposition 50, while 29% voted against it. The three counties with the largest Latino population in California all voted in favor of the proposition that would bolster Democratic representation: Los Angeles County (73%), San Bernardino County (56.8%), and Riverside County (56.2%). 
  • Latino voters turned out in strong numbers for New York City’s mayoral race, helping propel Zohran Mamdani to victory. According to NBC News exit polls, 52% of Latino voters cast their ballots for the Mayor-elect. Mamdani’s win is largely credited to his campaign’s focus on making New York more affordable for working families.

These results make clear that Latino voters are the decisive force in competitive races nationwide. As the fastest-growing segment of the electorate, Latino voters cannot be taken for granted. Last night’s outcomes underscore the urgent need for authentic, year-round investment and strategic engagement that meets Latino voters where they are. In upcoming races, from Congress to the governor’s mansion, the difference between winning and losing will hinge on whether campaigns truly invest in and listen to the Latino community.

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Voto Latino is a civic advocacy organization dedicated to educating and empowering the next generation of Latino voters while working to build a more inclusive and representative democracy. Since its founding, Voto Latino has registered nearly two million voters. In 2024, the organization took legal action to protect voting rights, filing multiple lawsuits in Texas, Arizona, and North Carolina to safeguard access to the ballot ahead of the elections.