The Essential Independent Candidate Effect in California’s Latino Vote
As more Latino voters in California loosen their ties to the two major parties, candidates are testing new ways to connect through local issues and direct community engagement.
As more Latino voters in California loosen their ties to the two major parties, candidates are testing new ways to connect through local issues and direct community engagement.
California’s Latino independent voters could play a decisive role in close races this November. However, voting rights advocates say campaigns
Xavier Becerra is once again stepping onto familiar ground. After serving in Congress, leading California’s Department of Justice, and joining President Joe Biden’s Cabinet as Secretary of Health and Human Services, he is now seeking the governorship of his home state. His campaign marks both a return to local politics and a renewed confrontation with Donald Trump, now back in the White House.
California’s plan to redraw its congressional map could reshape Latino political power in key regions from the Central Valley to San Diego. Supporters say it is needed to counter gerrymanders in other states while critics warn it could undo recent gains in Latino representation.
Daniel Lurie touted his philanthropic anti-poverty work despite recently evicting families and their children from city shelters.
Some families are confident their hard work precludes deportation, while others are fearful of forced separation.
“I know just by watching these debates and stuff…it seems like our presidential candidates are a little worried,” one Gen-Z Latina said. “And I think they should be.”