Every weekday, Victor Martinez, known on-air as DJ VJ Mar, discusses pop culture, celebrity gossip, and political news on Pennsylvania’s Spanish-language radio station, “La Mega”. Recently, Vice President Kamala Harris joined him on-air to discuss the importance of the Latino vote for the Biden-Harris campaign.
“The Latino vote in Pennsylvania is crucial,” Harris stated, using the platform to critique former President Donald Trump and highlight the administration’s efforts on the economy, immigration, abortion, and more. Martinez, observing the growing Latino audience in Pennsylvania’s working-class rustbelt strongholds, believes that the Latino vote could be the deciding factor in the upcoming election.
Recent census data reveals that the Hispanic/Latino population in Pennsylvania has grown by over 40% since 2010, with significant growth in the “222 Corridor” – a group of cities surrounding US Route 222. This growth has translated into increased electoral power, with an estimated 615,000 Pennsylvania Latinos eligible to vote in the upcoming election.
Despite Biden’s victory in Pennsylvania in 2020, some suggest that his support among Latinos may be waning. Martinez noted, “You will find Latinos who are not all in with Biden, and they’re keeping their options open for a possible vote for Trump.”
Democrats are concerned about this potential shift. Cynthia Mota, Allentown’s first Latina city council president, urged for more resources and investment in the Latino voting bloc. “If you give us the right reason to go out and vote, we’ll be there in masses,” she said.
The Biden campaign has responded by investing time and resources to ensure Pennsylvania Latinos are not overlooked. This includes initiatives like “Latinos con Biden,” a $30 million advertising campaign, and visits from administration officials like Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.
However, Republicans also see an opportunity to make inroads with the Latino community. Berks County Commissioner Michael Rivera believes that with more outreach, his party could dent Biden’s support. “You can’t go after the Latino vote three months before the election. It has to be something that’s year-round,” Rivera said.
Despite these efforts, many Pennsylvania Latino voters remain frustrated with Trump’s rhetoric towards migrants and immigrant communities. They emphasize that issues and policies will be more important when it comes to their votes.
As the election approaches, the Latino vote in Pennsylvania remains a crucial factor. Both parties are vying for their support, recognizing the potential impact of this rapidly growing demographic on the election outcome.
Contributor: Bonney Kapp, CNN