This article was originally written by Isabella Castillo on November 10, 2026 and translated to English by Ayleen Arreola Barrera.
Historically, the Latino vote has been low despite Latinos representing 40% of the Texas population. Normally this is caused by lack of voting information, disinterest in politics, or voting difficulties and restrictions.
However, the data has confirmed a significant increase in the amount of Latino votes during the last midterm election. Through campaign participation, social media influence and publicity regarding voter registration, Latinos have played an important role in Texas election activity.
Nevertheless, the million dollar question is: what motivated the growth in activity during the last election?
Various articles argue different reasons for the shift in voter participation. Some debate economic impact, while others argue that sentiments on ICE deportations motivated Latino voters. Others mention that election publicity within the Latino community created popularity for the campaigns and political parties which represented Latinos.
“What we see is part of it is enthusiasm for Talarico, enthusiasm for Gina Hinojosa, enthusiasm for Bobby Pulido, who was running for Congress in South Texas,” said Dr. Angie Gutierrez, an assistant professor in the Department of Sociocultural Analysis at UT. She said, “But we also see huge enthusiasm in places where there are colleges and universities. And so younger people, students, are going out there and voting and I think these two things combined is what led us to Tuesday night.”
Throughout the state of Texas, the increase in popularity of candidate campaigns, whether that be from county visits, institution visits, or through social media, has created an impulse in student votes. Nevertheless, two other aspects which guided Latino voters were financial difficulties and economic impacts which were a priority when making decisions during the election.
“The main driver for Latino voters, and we just put out a survey on this, was the economy. People feel prices are too high, inflation is bad, they are worried about the cost of living and employment prospects,” said Gutierrez.
In addition to economic grievances and election enthusiasm, frustration within the Latino community on deportation procedures from ICE also increased voter participation.
“A big thing was how I was seeing everything with ICE,” said Michelle Gomez, a third year student studying biology at UT. She said “My parents are both from Mexico, and they’re both immigrants. So I feel like that hit very close to home. And that’s when I knew that I definitely had to vote because it was impacting my community directly.”
It can be said with certainty that the voter participation that occurred in Texas this last election was unexpected and caused by various factors. After decades of lacking civic contribution, the Latino community raised their voice and it was a major part of the election results.
“As a whole, I really think this selection is showing all Texans on both sides that their vote really matters and that they really can affect change. And I think you know, we can’t take that for granted,” said Gutierrez
