Latino Voters Prioritize Affordability and Economy Ahead of 2026 Midterms
In a new survey of over 3,000 registered Latino voters across the US, economic concerns have taken center stage as the top issues heading into the 2026 midterm elections. With cost of living, jobs, and housing far surpassing other issues in priority, affordability has emerged as the leading concern among this key voting bloc.
While immigration remains an important issue for Latinos, it ranks fifth on the list, with only 20% citing it as a top priority. Instead, 53% of voters express concern over the cost of living and inflation, followed closely by jobs and the economy (36%), and housing (32%).
According to Unidos Bipartisan Poll of Hispanic Voters: The Road to 2026, nearly two-thirds of Latino voters say President Trump's economic policies will make them personally worse off next year. The perception of declining economic stability is fueling discontent with Washington, with 81% of voters believing Congress is failing to fulfill its checks-and-balances role.
The survey also reveals a deep-seated fear among Latinos regarding immigration, with 41% expressing concern that they or someone close might be arrested by federal immigration agents despite having legal status. A staggering 49% also believe they or someone close could become a victim of political violence, primarily due to Republican rhetoric.
With the economy continuing to dominate voter sentiment, Democrats are unlikely to gain ground among Latino voters. According to the survey, 64% of Latinos disapprove of Trump's job performance, with only 13% of his supporters indicating they would not vote for him again and another 9% being uncertain. The issues most shaping opinions of the president include cost of living and inflation, immigration arrests and deportations, jobs, and cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs.
In contrast to their 2024 performance among Hispanic voters, Latinos are now leaning towards Democrats on key policy areas, with 55% saying the Democratic Party cares "a great deal" about the Latino community. However, the GOP maintains an edge on border security.
As the midterms approach, California's special election on a ballot measure allowing state Democrats to redraw congressional districts could have significant implications for Latino voter turnout. Both sides of the Proposition 50 debate are targeting Hispanic populations, with the Democratic National Committee announcing a bilingual organizing initiative to engage potential voters.
The survey highlights the growing concern among Latinos regarding civil liberties and public safety. A majority (72%) oppose a recent Supreme Court decision allowing immigration agents to use language, appearance, and work location as grounds for making a stop. The high court's freeze on a temporary restraining order preventing federal immigration authorities from stopping people in southern California based on four factors has left many feeling vulnerable.
As the 2026 midterms draw near, it is clear that economic concerns will continue to dominate voter sentiment among Latinos. With affordability and jobs at the forefront of their priorities, Democrats may face an uphill battle in winning back this key voting bloc.
In a new survey of over 3,000 registered Latino voters across the US, economic concerns have taken center stage as the top issues heading into the 2026 midterm elections. With cost of living, jobs, and housing far surpassing other issues in priority, affordability has emerged as the leading concern among this key voting bloc.
While immigration remains an important issue for Latinos, it ranks fifth on the list, with only 20% citing it as a top priority. Instead, 53% of voters express concern over the cost of living and inflation, followed closely by jobs and the economy (36%), and housing (32%).
According to Unidos Bipartisan Poll of Hispanic Voters: The Road to 2026, nearly two-thirds of Latino voters say President Trump's economic policies will make them personally worse off next year. The perception of declining economic stability is fueling discontent with Washington, with 81% of voters believing Congress is failing to fulfill its checks-and-balances role.
The survey also reveals a deep-seated fear among Latinos regarding immigration, with 41% expressing concern that they or someone close might be arrested by federal immigration agents despite having legal status. A staggering 49% also believe they or someone close could become a victim of political violence, primarily due to Republican rhetoric.
With the economy continuing to dominate voter sentiment, Democrats are unlikely to gain ground among Latino voters. According to the survey, 64% of Latinos disapprove of Trump's job performance, with only 13% of his supporters indicating they would not vote for him again and another 9% being uncertain. The issues most shaping opinions of the president include cost of living and inflation, immigration arrests and deportations, jobs, and cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs.
In contrast to their 2024 performance among Hispanic voters, Latinos are now leaning towards Democrats on key policy areas, with 55% saying the Democratic Party cares "a great deal" about the Latino community. However, the GOP maintains an edge on border security.
As the midterms approach, California's special election on a ballot measure allowing state Democrats to redraw congressional districts could have significant implications for Latino voter turnout. Both sides of the Proposition 50 debate are targeting Hispanic populations, with the Democratic National Committee announcing a bilingual organizing initiative to engage potential voters.
The survey highlights the growing concern among Latinos regarding civil liberties and public safety. A majority (72%) oppose a recent Supreme Court decision allowing immigration agents to use language, appearance, and work location as grounds for making a stop. The high court's freeze on a temporary restraining order preventing federal immigration authorities from stopping people in southern California based on four factors has left many feeling vulnerable.
As the 2026 midterms draw near, it is clear that economic concerns will continue to dominate voter sentiment among Latinos. With affordability and jobs at the forefront of their priorities, Democrats may face an uphill battle in winning back this key voting bloc.
I mean, who can blame them? The cost of living is out of control 
, inflation is like a bad boyfriend – always showing up uninvited 
, and jobs are scarce 
. It's no wonder economic concerns are at the top of the list for Latinos heading into the 2026 midterms. I guess it's time to trade in the immigration debate for some good ol' fashioned economic policy talk 
... because let's be real, who needs a stable economy when you've got partisan bickering? 
The fact that 64% of Latinos disapprove of Trump's job performance is no surprise either – I mean, have you seen his Twitter feed lately? 
Anyway, it'll be interesting to see how Democrats fare among this crucial voting bloc... probably not great given their history with immigration policies 
.
. This perception of declining economic stability is indeed fueling discontent with Washington, and it will be interesting to see how Democrats address these concerns in the midterms.
"The man who does not spend money does not get what the world has to offer." - Henry Ford
. if true, economic concerns are dominating their agenda, but wouldn't that suggest that republicans have done something right on the economy or that democrats just aren't addressing these issues effectively enough? 
It's like they're constantly living paycheck to paycheck 
The fact that immigration is only 5th on their list of concerns is really telling 
. It's crazy how cost of living and inflation are topping their list ahead of immigration issues. I get it though, when you're struggling to make ends meet, other things take a backseat. And yeah, President Trump's economic policies aren't exactly helping the situation 
. The fear of immigration agents stopping them or becoming victims of political violence is real and that's gotta be unsettling. It's interesting to see how Democrats are trying to connect with Latino voters on key policy areas like healthcare and food assistance. But for now, it looks like economic concerns are the anchor that's holding back a lot of potential support from this voting bloc 
.
53% is a HUGE chunk of people who are REALLY struggling to make ends meet and it's no wonder they're prioritizing affordability over immigration (which I get, it's still an important issue). But the fact that only 20% even consider immigration a top priority is wild to me 
. And those 49% who think they or someone close could become victims of political violence? FOR REAL?!? That's some crazy stuff right there 
. I mean, shouldn't we all be able to afford a roof over our heads and food on the table without worrying about being arrested or hurt because of who we are? 
gotta keep our elected officials in check, though 
It's crazy that immigration is only ranked fifth on the list when we're talking about a group that's been disproportionately affected by it for years!