At this year’s SOMOS conference in Puerto Rico, New York Democrats grappled with how to regain Latino support after substantial Republican gains in the recent election. The gathering, typically upbeat, had a somber tone as Democrats examined why Latino voters, who comprise 12% of the state’s electorate, shifted their priorities to economic concerns rather than immigration or social issues.
Union leaders and Latino officials argue that Democrats focused too heavily on reproductive rights and social issues, while Latino voters prioritized economic stability, housing, and jobs.
Some Democrats cautioned against divisive blame, emphasizing unity over fault-finding. Leaders agree, however, that the party’s messaging needs to address economic realities to better resonate with working-class Latinos.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.