By james art While Latinos in the United States generally continue to lean toward the Democratic Party, that national margin has narrowed.
In 2012, a whopping 71 percent of Latinos voted Democratic compared to 27 percent Republican.
By 2020, the gap had narrowed to 66 percent Democrats and 32 percent Republicans.
A recent UnidosUS poll found that only 57 percent of Latinos favored Ms. Harris and 34 percent favored Trump.
Some Latino voters blame the current Democratic administration for rising costs of living and are unhappy with its immigration and border policies.
Mr. Barajas, for example, believes that Trump’s promises of mass deportations if he gets to the White House will only affect “criminals.”
“He’s not going to go after the workers,” said Mr. Barajas, who spoke with Trump in person for about 10 minutes during the former president’s visit.
While he discussed with Trump how much Latinos despise his anti-immigration rhetoric, Mr. Barajas did not take it personally. And he is not alone.
Most Latinos in the U.S. believe Trump is not talking about them when he accuses immigrants of eating pets, being criminals and “tainting the blood” of the country, according to a major New York Times poll in October.
Ms. Harris’ elevation to the Democratic nomination appears to have improved her party’s standing in the Latino presidential race, at least compared to Biden.
“She is the child of immigrant parents,” Mr Ricardo Fernandez, 54, said.
He thinks Democrats just need to get their message across better to Hispanics.
“Many Latin Americans are not well informed” about the threat Trump poses, he added.
“It’s really important that the Hispanic community pay attention to what’s at stake. We’re talking about one candidate who wants to help the middle class and another whose plan is to empower millionaires and billionaires.
“So where does that leave Latinos? How many Latinos are millionaires in the United States?” he asked.
It’s a widespread concern in North Las Vegas, a Latino stronghold and home to the sprawling, colorful Broadacres Market.
There, mostly Hispanic workers like Mr. Salinas voice concerns ranging from the economy to struggles with obtaining legal papers and status.