Republicans are intensifying outreach to Hispanic voters at their midterm convention in Dallas, featuring Mexican-American candidates and re-emphasizing messages that resonated in previous elections. This strategic push aims to reverse a recent trend of softening support among Latino voters, a demographic critical to electoral outcomes.
Recent polls indicate a decline in Republican support among Latinos, with figures dropping to 35% or lower, a notable shift from past successes. In 2024, then-President Donald Trump secured over half of foreign-born Hispanic voters by contrasting Democratic policies with those of socialist-governed Cuba and Venezuela, advocating for an end to illegal immigration, and promising wage increases through tax cuts on overtime and tips.
The convention agenda included several Mexican-American candidates speaking on the party's behalf. Air Force veteran and congressional candidate Carlos De La Cruz, the first speaker after the opening prayer, warned against what he termed a "return to open borders and higher taxes" under Democratic leadership. He emphasized his commitment to "safe streets, a strong economy and a country where our kids can grow up free and have a future."
His sister, Rep. Monica De La Cruz, shared a personal narrative, referencing her grandfather's hard work and contrasting it with perceived economic struggles under the current administration, including increased grocery prices and inflation. She echoed concerns about "open borders" and the impact of fentanyl and drug cartels, while highlighting the tax cuts and border security measures enacted during the previous administration.
"Under Trump, that border is safer than at any point in history," De La Cruz stated, referencing tax legislation that she said returned thousands of dollars annually to working Americans.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, of Mexican descent, spoke about the importance of voters' historical experiences with socialist and communist regimes. She argued that the Republican party offers a vision of "opportunity, stability, and confidence in America's future," contrasting it with what she described as "outright socialism from the Democrat Party."
Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina, who is challenging Rep. Henry Cuellar, is scheduled to speak and plans to question the Democratic Party's contributions to Hispanic voters, pointing to Trump's economic policies. He suggested that cultural issues and authenticity also align Hispanic voters with Republican candidates.
Scheduled speakers also include Sen. Ted Cruz and congressional candidate Eric Flores. However, economic anxieties, including high gas prices and inflation, pose a challenge to the Republican message.
Democratic strategists note that Republicans are losing ground with Latino voters due to economic factors. Former Rep. Carlos Curbelo, a Cuban-American Republican, expressed concern that the convention's efforts might be too late to reverse negative trends, citing the economic impact on Hispanic-American working-class families and the potential alienation caused by aggressive immigration enforcement measures. He acknowledged Trump's effort to broaden Hispanic support beyond traditional bases in 2024 but expressed frustration with what he views as a recent political misstep by the party.