The Hispanic Voters Who Turned on Trump and Put Texas in Play

In Weslaco, Texas, Abad Morales, a construction company owner, has become disillusioned with President Trump's policies. Once a disengaged voter, Morales now runs for city commission and chairs the Democratic precinct. He has registered over 350 voters this year and expressed frustration with Trump's handling of the economy and immigration.

Recent polls indicate that Latino voters, who supported Trump in 2024, are increasingly disapproving of his job performance. Only 26% of Latino voters approve of Trump, while 68% disapprove. This sentiment is reflected in the growing number of Hispanic voters who are planning to vote in the upcoming elections. Early voting figures in Texas show a surge in turnout among Hispanic voters, making up a higher share of the electorate compared to previous midterms and elections.

Democrats are hoping to capitalize on this disillusionment, as they aim to win majorities in the House and Senate. In Texas, Republicans have tried to retain Latino support by emphasizing their conservative stances on social issues. However, Trump's immigration crackdown has led to signs of growing dissatisfaction among Hispanic voters. Eric Flores, a Republican congressional hopeful, is facing backlash for his endorsement of Trump, as Democrats seek to exploit the erosion of Latino support for Republicans.

While some Latinos are moving back toward the Democratic party, it does not mean they are back to being reliable voters. The region's pivotal role in the upcoming U.S. Senate race between Ken Paxton and James Talarico highlights the complexity of the situation. Talarico's campaign made an effort to court Latino voters, but many feel he has failed to deliver on his promises, leading to disillusionment and a search for alternative political representation.