By Dr. Yanira Cruz, President & CEO of NHCOA
The Latino community has won! This year’s midterm elections provided a new perspective on the current state of U.S. politics, and offered hope for the future. As Latinos, we were decisive and key players in many state elections across the country, and our influence has brought real change to U.S. Congress.
The chaos of the past two years has awakened a spirit of resistance in the Latino community—one that has been with us throughout history. Democracy has prevailed, and I believe this should be celebrated. The ideals that motivate me to advocate for and defend public policies that guarantee the constitutional rights of our community, and especially our older adults, feel active and visible in the voters, and in this new wave of representatives.
The change began this November, calls upon a historic struggle in the Latino people, to defend our identity and prove the need for unity among communities. We have evolved from a marginalized, invisible group into an organized collective that is aware of its capacity for action. Together we have raised our voices, and can stand as a movement with firm roots and power in the future decisions of this country.
As Carlos E. Vela wrote in his article “Latino Power,” published in El Diario de Hoy, “The Latino vote reached an unprecedented level of influence and demonstrated its ability to alter the national political landscape.” Mr. Vela is correct. The turnout of the Latino vote has strengthened my beliefs about political will and civic participation, and Mr. Vela’s account reaffirms my conviction that true social transformation must be reflected in government actions that ensure equitable access to healthcare, comprehensive care, and dignified living conditions for our older adults.
I believe we owe a greater level of attention and analysis to a particular region of the country: the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas, where the Latino population has a strong presence and significant influence. Their vote represents a statement of identity, participation, and the ability to shape the region’s social and economic development. Texas occupies a strategic position in U.S. politics. Nearly 40% of its population is Latino, yet it has long been governed by leaders who do not reflect their values, and do not endeavor to better serve their needs. The election of Gina Hinojosa as the state’s first Latina governor, and James Talarico as a senator, marks a historic shift for Texas. This achievement has captured my full attention—and certainly the attention of millions of citizens—because Senator-elect Talarico has expressed his willingness to work through bipartisan dialogue toward comprehensive immigration reform, and we must seize this opportunity. This seems precisely the kind of consensus we need: one capable of overcoming political differences with humane solutions, a sense of justice, and long-term sustainability. It would be irresponsible to postpone a conversation that affects the stability, dignity, and future of millions of immigrants.
These victories reflect the influence of a community engaged with the everyday concerns families face, such as access to quality medical care, economic opportunities, and protection for older adults.
From Fear to Determination
For a long time, fear, uncertainty about immigration, and the threat of deportation have shaped the lives of many Latino families. However, I believe these elections teach us a powerful lesson. Even when there are reasons to remain silent under the weight of uncertainty, a community can find strength in its unity to make its voice heard through collective action. Despite the persecution we have endured, we can and must be an active participant in decisions that will shape the future of this country and our community.
Data does not lie. According to research by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), voters trust Democrats more than Republicans to address issues that directly affect the well-being of Latino families. The difference is particularly significant regarding the cost of healthcare, where Democrats have a 42% trust rating compared to 22% for Republicans. The same trend is evident regarding the cost of living (39% versus 25%) and abortion policies (42% versus 27%). And there’s more: KFF’s historical data shows that “the Democratic lead on healthcare costs widened considerably in just six months.”
Things are changing for the better. I am also filled with pride for the election of Xavier Becerra, the first Latino governor of California in over a century. Mr. Becerra’s achievement is a milestone for the Latino community and its representation in U.S. government. This is cause for celebration, especially for the millions of Latinos who call the state of California home. In my view, this change comes with a responsibility: ensuring that political representation translates into public policies that address the needs of the most vulnerable members of society.
Our progress in representation doesn’t end there. I’m thrilled to see other women breaking through barriers that seemed reserved for a select few for a long time. Take Deb Haaland, for example. She was elected governor of New Mexico, becoming the first Native American woman to hold that office in the United States. Her career paves the way for other Indigenous women and represents progress in recognizing their communities, history, and right to participate in decisions affecting their future.
Amidst this momentous change, I feel a duty to recognize younger generations and their place in heralding this change. We cannot fail to look to those who represent the future of our society—those for whom we work to leave a legacy and build a better nation. Our young people have a lot to say, too. They do vote, and their participation deserves recognition because every vote represents concerns, dreams, and the desire to live in a country where they can thrive without fear.
Young people had profound reasons for voting. It wasn’t just about choosing a leader; it was also about expressing concern for the country they are inheriting and the opportunities they will have to build their future. A Harvard University Institute of Politics survey revealed that 69% of 18- to 29-year-olds felt more fear than hope about the future of the United States. Among those who decided to vote, 63% favored Democratic candidates, compared to 26% who preferred Republicans. In our community, these concerns have specific faces: fear that their families might be affected by ruthless immigration enforcement, difficulty accessing higher education and healthcare, and instability in their environment.
When the future is threatened by fear, participation can become a means of defending it. The Latino community has demonstrated that it is no longer willing to vote out of habit or loyalty to a party. Today, we know that our participation matters and that our needs must be heard. We have every right to choose leaders who we believe can defend our interests. The force of will that our participation has brought is a sign of maturity and strength.
I celebrate this new era, the era of democracy.
Recent Comments