Trump Gains Ground with Hispanic Voters

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  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, February 17th 2026 at 14:12 GMT by Newsweek
      Locales: Florida, Texas, Arizona, California, Nevada, UNITED STATES

Shifting Sands: Trump Gains Ground with Hispanic Voters - A Deep Dive into the Emerging Trends

The latest polling data reveals a subtle but significant shift in the political landscape: a 3-point increase in Donald Trump's approval rating among Hispanic voters, bringing it to 37% according to a recent RMG Research poll conducted February 13-15. While still representing a net negative approval, this uptick demands a closer examination of the factors driving this change and its potential implications for the upcoming 2024 presidential election. The poll, surveying 500 Hispanic voters with a margin of error of +-4.4%, suggests a more nuanced relationship between the Hispanic electorate and the former president than previously understood.

For years, Trump's rhetoric surrounding immigration, border security, and even labeling some immigrants as criminals, was widely perceived as hostile towards the Hispanic community. His policies, including the "zero tolerance" policy at the border and the building of a wall, further solidified this perception. However, dismissing the Hispanic vote as a monolithic block consistently opposed to Trump would be a critical error. The RMG Research findings highlight the diversity of perspectives and priorities within the community.

Eduardo Diaz of RMG Research aptly points out that Hispanics are not a monolith. Economic anxieties, social concerns, and foreign policy preferences all play a role in shaping individual voting decisions. This is particularly true when considering the varying national origins and experiences within the Hispanic community. Cuban Americans, for instance, have historically leaned Republican, largely due to shared opposition to the Cuban government and a greater emphasis on individual economic opportunity. The poll's data confirms this trend, showing particularly strong support for Trump within this demographic.

But what's driving the slight increase beyond established voting patterns? A key factor appears to be dissatisfaction with the current administration's handling of the economy. While the Biden administration has touted economic recovery, persistent inflation and concerns about a potential recession are weighing heavily on voters, including Hispanics. For many, economic security is paramount, and if they perceive Trump as a stronger leader on this front, they may be willing to overlook past controversies.

Border security remains another crucial issue. Despite Biden's attempts to roll back Trump's policies, the southern border continues to face challenges, including high numbers of crossings and concerns about drug trafficking. Some Hispanic voters, particularly those living in border states or directly affected by these issues, may see Trump's stricter approach as more effective, even if they disagree with his overall tone.

This shift isn't isolated to economic and border concerns. The Democratic party is also facing internal challenges in maintaining its traditional Hispanic base. Concerns about the party's focus on social justice issues, perceived as out of touch with the daily struggles of working-class Hispanics, are growing. Additionally, some Hispanic voters feel taken for granted by the Democratic party, believing their concerns are not adequately addressed.

The implications for the 2024 election are significant. The Hispanic vote is projected to be a crucial determinant in several swing states, including Arizona, Nevada, and Florida. A modest increase in Trump's support within this demographic could be enough to tip the scales in a close election. Campaigns will undoubtedly intensify their outreach efforts to Hispanic voters, tailoring their messaging to address specific concerns and highlighting their respective strengths on issues such as the economy, border security, and healthcare.

Furthermore, understanding the specific concerns of different Hispanic subgroups will be vital. A one-size-fits-all approach will likely fail. Campaigns need to engage with communities directly, listen to their priorities, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing their needs. This means investing in culturally relevant outreach, utilizing Spanish-language media, and partnering with trusted community leaders.

The RMG Research poll serves as a wake-up call for both parties. The Hispanic electorate is not a guaranteed voting bloc, and its preferences are subject to change. To win their support, candidates must move beyond broad generalizations and engage in meaningful dialogue with this increasingly important segment of the American electorate. The coming months will reveal whether this slight uptick in Trump's approval is a fleeting moment or a harbinger of a more fundamental shift in Hispanic voting patterns.