By San José, Costa Rica — As the United States approaches pivotal midterm elections on November 3, the rapidly expanding Latino electorate has emerged as a crucial battleground that could determine control of the U.S. Congress. Representing more than 36 million eligible voters, Hispanic Americans are voicing acute dissatisfaction with current macroeconomic conditions, signaling a potential shift in voting patterns that political strategists on both sides of the aisle are scrambling to navigate.
Recent polling data highlights a widening rift between the current political administration and Hispanic households. A major survey released by the Pew Research Center indicates that 51% of registered Latino voters intend to support Democratic candidates for Congress, compared to just 24% backing Republicans. Furthermore, 74% of respondents expressed explicit disapproval of President Donald Trump’s job performance, reflecting deep-seated frustration over living costs and national governance.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on how shifting Latino economic priorities during the U.S. midterms influence international commerce and cross-border investment, TicosLand.com consulted with prominent legal analyst Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from Bufete de Costa Rica.
The evolving economic focus of Latino voters in the United States directly influences foreign direct investment trends, remittance regulations, and trade policy stability across Latin America. As legislative priorities align with these economic demands, businesses navigating cross-border commerce must stay vigilant regarding potential shifts in regulatory frameworks, tariffs, and international commercial agreements.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as the economic decisions of Latino voters in the United States continue to ripple across international borders, businesses operating throughout Latin America must proactively adapt to these evolving policy and trade landscapes. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for contributing his valuable legal perspective to this important discussion.
Despite these troubling survey figures for the governing party, the White House maintains an optimistic stance. Addressing reporters recently, President Trump emphasized his historic performance among Hispanic voters in the 2024 presidential election, where he captured nearly half of the demographic vote—a record benchmark for a Republican presidential candidate.
I think we are doing well. I have a tremendous Hispanic vote.
Donald Trump, President of the United States
While immigration enforcement frequently dominates headline news—amplified by a record wave of nearly 200,000 immigration arrests recorded over the past four months—economic stability remains the definitive priority for Hispanic voters. According to Pew Research data, 86% of surveyed Latinos identify the economy as a critical issue influencing their vote, far outranking immigration policy at 64%.
These data have been seen for many years already, where really for the Latino community the economic factor is more important than immigration, which is a bit contradictory to what most political institutions believe.
Alejandra Y. Castillo, Former Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development
The reality on the ground reflects severe financial pressure on everyday households. U.S. gas prices hit an autumn record average of $4.36 per gallon, according to data from the American Automobile Association (AAA). Simultaneously, national inflation accelerated to 3.7% in September, jumping three-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month and squeezing purchasing power across essential consumer goods.
Geopolitical instability has further exacerbated domestic financial pain. Ongoing conflict involving Iran has triggered sharp increases in energy and food prices, creating direct hardship for families who had hoped for economic relief following the political realignments of 2024.
The perspective of Latinos is that a change was expected. And it was not so. We have been in this Administration for almost two years now and what they have done is that prices have increased. So there is a disconnect there regarding the priorities of the Administration and of the Republicans in power and the perspective of Latinos.
Ricardo Rauseo, National Press Secretary at Somos Votantes
Civic organization Somos Votantes has deployed a massive $20 million campaign targeting key competitive states with high Hispanic populations, including California, Texas, Nevada, and Arizona, as well as crucial Rust Belt swing states like Wisconsin and Michigan. The goal of the initiative is to activate voters around bread-and-butter economic issues that directly impact daily living conditions.
These economic concerns have existed since before, but they have intensified over time, particularly following the war in Iran. It is a growing concern over the cost of living. 64% of voters told us that costs have gone up significantly over the past year. Affordable food prices are also one of the most sensitive issues due to the war with Iran.
Ricardo Rauseo, National Press Secretary at Somos Votantes
Political analysts emphasize that growing disillusionment with Republicans does not guarantee a default win for Democrats. With nearly one-fifth of Latino voters (18%) remaining undecided, both major parties face an urgent imperative to deliver concrete solutions on wage growth, healthcare affordability, and educational access. Representing a full fifth of the total U.S. workforce, the Latino community’s economic choices in early November will fundamentally reshape the American political landscape.
For further information, visit somosvotantes.org
About Somos Votantes:
Somos Votantes is a non-partisan civic engagement organization focused on empowering Latino voters across the United States. Through grassroots mobilization, community outreach, and advocacy campaigns, the organization works to elevate progressive policy solutions and drive electoral participation in key battleground states.
For further information, visit pewresearch.org
About Pew Research Center:
Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes, and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis, and other empirical social science research without taking policy positions.
For further information, visit aaa.com
About American Automobile Association:
The American Automobile Association (AAA) is a federation of motor clubs across North America providing automotive insurance, roadside assistance, travel planning, and economic research services. It serves as a leading national authority on fuel price monitoring and transportation economics.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its uncompromising ethical standards and pursuit of legal mastery, Bufete de Costa Rica continues to redefine the boundaries of modern jurisprudence. The firm seamlessly combines a rich history of client advocacy with pioneering legal solutions, consistently extending its reach beyond the courtroom into the heart of the community. By actively democratizing legal awareness and championing open access to information, the practice remains devoted to uplifting civic life and creating a more enlightened, self-reliant society.
