Latina Voters Make Climate Change a Key Issue in Upcoming Elections
As the climate crisis deepens and extreme weather becomes a near-daily reality, Latina voters across the U.S. are emerging as a crucial demographic for candidates on both sides of the political spectrum. For women like Mary Wagner, a recent U.S. citizen living in Las Vegas, climate change has become not only a personal issue but a motivating factor at the polls this week. Latinas are uniquely positioned to shape the outcome of elections due to their higher-than-average voter turnout compared to Latino men, and the climate-focused voting campaigns are gaining traction among them.
Climate and Health Concerns Drive Latina Voter Motivation
Mary Wagner’s story is a poignant example of the direct health impacts Latinas see within their communities due to climate change. This past summer, wildfires from California and Nevada filled her neighborhood in Las Vegas with thick, smoky air. For her 13-year-old son, who suffers from asthma, the smoke was debilitating, making it hard for him to breathe and participate in daily activities. Such experiences are repeated throughout the Latino community, especially in regions like Arizona and California, where extreme heat and wildfires are becoming the new normal.
“Seeing how climate change affects our pockets as well as our health has become a priority for myself and people in my community,” Wagner shared. Her story underscores a significant factor in why climate change resonates with many Latina voters, who see its impacts on their families’ well-being and futures.
Latino Influence in U.S. Elections: A Growing Power
The Latino electorate, expected to total around 36.2 million voters this year, holds considerable power to influence the outcome of federal, state, and local elections. Within this demographic, Latina women are especially critical. Research shows Latinas have a higher likelihood of voting than their male counterparts, with recent surveys from the Latino Victory Foundation showing that 73% of Latina respondents are almost certain they will vote.
Latino women have traditionally leaned toward Democratic candidates, who align with their concerns on issues like climate change. According to a Pew Research Center report, Latina voters have a positive perception of Vice President Kamala Harris, who champions climate policy and the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a landmark green energy bill. In contrast, former President Donald Trump has dismissed climate change as a “hoax” and opposes spending on green initiatives. His focus is largely on economic growth over environmental concerns, a message that resonates more with the general Republican base than with Latino women specifically concerned with climate impacts.
Campaigns Targeting Latina Moms and Their Families
The Vote Like a Madre campaign, supported by Latino advocacy groups, has invested heavily in Arizona, Florida, Colorado, and New Mexico to mobilize Latina mothers. Through bilingual outreach, this initiative encourages Latinas to “vote to protect their kids’ future” from the ravages of climate change, including worsening wildfires, hurricanes, and extreme heat. In Arizona alone, the campaign has committed $2 million to spread awareness about climate issues among Latina voters.
Katharine Pichardo-Erskine, executive director of the Latino Victory Project, explains, “We’re the ones serving meals to our neighbors and taking the kids to school.” This sense of community responsibility drives Latina voters, who often take leading roles in local environmental and social issues. As environmental awareness and advocacy grow within the community, more Latina moms are seeing their vote as a way to safeguard their children’s future.
Climate Change and the Economic Angle for Latinas
Latino voters, especially Latinas, disproportionately work in jobs heavily affected by climate risks. Many are employed in agriculture, construction, and other outdoor industries, where extreme heat, wildfire smoke, and pollution are frequent hazards. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that Latino neighborhoods are often situated near industrial zones, exposing residents to heightened levels of pollution. This proximity has worsened respiratory illnesses and led to increased climate vulnerabilities.
While economic issues like job security and healthcare continue to hold importance, climate concerns are deeply intertwined with these aspects for Latina voters. Anthony Leiserowitz, director of the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, points out a “cultural worldview” shared among many Latino families, where there’s an inherent connection to the natural world. This connection amplifies their concerns over how climate change impacts their communities.
Divided Priorities Within the Latino Community
Though climate change resonates strongly with Latina voters, Latino voters are far from a monolithic group. Differences in geographic location, cultural heritage, and life experiences mean that the Latino vote is a complex tapestry. In states like Pennsylvania, Latino voters may prioritize healthcare and employment over environmental issues, while in the Southwest, climate change is front and center.
For instance, Emiliana Guereca, president of the Women’s March Foundation, notes that in Arizona, Latina voters are highly attuned to climate due to intense summer heat, while in areas like Pennsylvania, economic concerns come first. These regional and cultural variations underscore the diversity of Latino priorities and highlight why tailored campaign messaging is essential.
The Role of Celebrity Influence and High-Profile Endorsements
As the election nears, high-profile endorsements continue to sway public opinion. On Sunday, Vice President Harris gained a significant endorsement from pop star Bad Bunny, a favorite within the Latino community. The endorsement came shortly after a comedian at a Trump rally made derogatory comments about Puerto Ricans, which drew criticism. Such incidents shape Latino perceptions of candidates and motivate voters to make choices that reflect their values.
Looking Ahead: Latina Voters Hold the Balance of Power
Latinas concerned about climate change may become decisive in tipping key battleground states. With more intense storms, wildfires, and record-breaking heat affecting their communities, the urgency to address climate issues has never been higher for Latina voters. From casting ballots in local elections to supporting national policies, Latina voices are increasingly shaping the country’s environmental and political landscape.
As Isabel González Whitaker of Moms Clean Air Force states, “So how can it not be carried with these communities into the booths?” The stakes are high for this election, and for many Latina voters, climate change isn’t just another issue—it’s the very future of their families, communities, and the natural world.
