Latino Voters Returned to the Democratic Party, Helping Fuel the Midterm Wave

Latinos returned to the Democratic party in droves in the midterms as the cost of living dominated voters' concerns, helping fuel its gains across the country.

NBC News Exit Poll showed that six in 10 Latino voters supported Democrats, a nine point increase compared with the 2024 presidential elections. The figure also matched the share of the 2022 midterms, but it is still below the 69% recorded in 2018.

The outlet went on to note that the rebound was particularly sharp among men, who had largely supported Trump in 2024. The demographic saw a 11-point swing, going from 44% to 55% supporting Democrats. Among Latinas, the figure went from 58% to 65%.

A poll of midterm voters released by UnidosUS showed that the cost of living and inflation were the top concerns for Latinos, who said they want Congress and the White House to actively do something about it.

"Grocery and food costs rank as the leading cost-of-living concern, followed by housing expenses (including rent and mortgage payments) and the cost of gasoline. This finding underscores how rising prices for everyday necessities continue to shape Latino families' economic concerns and experiences," the poll said.

Concerns about the state of the economy are shared by most voters. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that the cost of living was the top issue for 48 percent of respondents. The poll aligns with other surveys that found the economy and the cost of living among voters' top issues. According to the Pew Research Center, 84 percent of voters said the economy was a very important issue heading into the election. As an issue, the economy is up five points in terms of importance to voters compared with what Pew found in the lead-up to the 2022 midterm elections.

Moreover, 49 percent of people said their household finances have gotten worse since Trump returned to office. Only 13 percent said things had improved and another 37 percent said things had stayed about the same.

The war with Iran is another key issue for voters, according to Reuters, is the war with Iran. Only 25 percent of respondents said the war was worth it, while 55 percent said it was not. Another 18 percent were unsure.

According to the website Silver Bulletin, which compiles numerous polls and creates a composite score, the Iran war has never been popular and has never been supported by more than about 40 percent of the public. Currently, the website has 56.5 percent of people opposed to the war and only 35.9 percent supporting it.

The Reuters poll also found a significant number of voters concerned about data centers and money in politics.

About 42 percent of respondents said described the issue as important and wanted some restrictions on the construction of the facilities. Data centers have become a political flashpoint in some areas of the country as critics say they drive up electricity costs and consume fresh water, while providing limited benefits to local communities.