A recent AP-NORC poll highlights a worrying trend for President Donald Trump among Hispanic voters, revealing that his favorability has decreased significantly since the early part of the year. The poll, conducted between October 9 and 13, shows that only 25% of Hispanic adults view Trump favorably compared to 44% in a preceding survey. This considerable decline presents a potential warning for Republicans as they gear up for the 2024 elections.
As of now, a larger segment of this electorate, 73%, believes the country is heading in the wrong direction, up from 63% in March. Such sentiments could impede Republican efforts to consolidate influence within this crucial group.
The poll reveals a growing financial unease among Hispanic voters, despite Trump's earlier assurances of economic revival. The struggles with high costs of living are prompting many Hispanic adults to feel more financially stressed than the average American, indicating that Trump's economic strategies may not align with the realities faced by this demographic.
Alejandro Ochoa, a warehouse worker from California, reflects this dissatisfaction, criticizing Trump's economic management and voicing concerns about rising grocery prices and unattainable housing costs. Ochoa had previously voted for Trump but feels disillusioned with his presidency, highlighting the economic hardships persist.
Economic and Immigration Concerns Amplifying Discontent
The poll results raise alarms for Republican strategists, as Hispanic voters previously swayed toward Trump in the last election. However, the current data indicates declining approval ratings for Trump’s handling of both economic and immigration issues—areas he previously championed.
Only 41% approved of Trump's performance in March, with that number plunging to just 27% now. Over time, Trump's stringent immigration policies have also led to increased apprehension in Hispanic communities, adding another layer to the financial stress they already experience.
Individuals like Fel Echandi from Florida, who considers himself a Democrat, are conflicted as Trump's approaches to various issues do not translate into favorable outcomes for many immigrants, further affecting the broader economy. The stress of living expenses continues to correlate with negative views on Trump's governance.
Shifting Priorities and Growing Frustration
The concerns among Hispanic voters about Trump's immigration policies are compounded by perceptions of his disregard for socio-economic stability. Recent actions from the Trump administration to enforce strict immigration laws have not only fomented fear within communities but have also caused disruptions in labor markets, driving up prices for basic necessities.
According to the poll, around 66% of Hispanic Republicans still hold a favorable view of Trump, a notable decrease from 83% in September 2024. Moreover, younger Hispanic voters and Hispanic men—a demographic that previously swung heavily in favor of Trump—are now exhibiting rising unfavorability levels.
This shift may indicate a growing disconnect between Trump's policies and the pressing needs of Hispanic voters, which could have implications for upcoming elections.
The AP-NORC poll surveyed 1,289 adults with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points for the general population and 6.9 for Hispanic adults, underscoring the need for Republican strategists to reassess their platforms to better resonate with this vital voter base.
