Donald Trump’s favorability among Hispanic adults has sharply declined, according to a recent AP-NORC poll, marking a potential red flag for Republican candidates as they prepare for upcoming elections.
The latest survey indicates that only 25% of Hispanic adults hold a favorable view of Trump, a substantial drop from 44% at the beginning of 2024. The rising discontent corresponds with increasing economic stress reported by this demographic; 73% now believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, compared to 63% in March.
This shift is particularly troubling for Republicans reliant on Hispanic votes, a critical group that constituted 10% of the electorate in the last election. Many of these voters, motivated by economic factors last year, now express concern over financial pressures exacerbated by Trump's policies.
A warehouse worker in California, Alejandro Ochoa, expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “I’m still getting done dirty at the grocery store. The cost of groceries is too high.” Despite previous support for Trump, many Hispanic voters are struggling financially due to rising costs of living.
Interestingly, even among Hispanic Republicans, favorability has dipped slightly, dropping from 83% to 66% in recent months. Younger Hispanics, including those under 45, are also becoming less favorable towards Trump, with significant portions now expressing unfavorable views.
Immigration remains a focal issue as well. The poll indicated that about two-thirds of Hispanic adults regard immigration as personally significant. However, Trump's heightened emphasis on hardline immigration policies could be alienating voters who view these actions as detrimental to their community and economy.
In particular, both the economic and immigration concerns highlighted by the poll could foreshadow challenges for the Republican party in maintaining support among Hispanic voters, an influential and growing constituency.
