Donald Trump's Surprising Appeal: Winning Over Hispanic Voters in South Texas

ICARO Media Group
Politics
08/11/2024 18h56

### Trump Gains Ground Among Hispanic Voters in South Texas

In a striking shift during the recent election, former President Donald J. Trump made significant inroads in South Texas, a region traditionally dominated by Democrats and predominantly Hispanic. Trump managed to secure 12 out of 14 counties along the Texas-Mexico border, a notable increase from the five counties he won in 2016.

This reversal in voter preference exemplifies a broader national trend where Hispanic and working-class voters have increasingly supported the Republican candidate. This change was observed in both rural and urban areas, including major cities like Miami, and even in states such as New York and New Jersey.

The transformation in Texas was particularly notable. Among the top 10 Democratic counties nationally that saw the most significant swing toward Trump, eight were situated on the Texas border or nearby. One of the most dramatic shifts occurred in Starr County, a rural area with a population of around 65,000. Here, Trump triumphed by a margin of 16 percentage points, a remarkable turnaround from 2016 when he lost to Hillary Clinton by 60 points.

In recent times, this region—comprising a mix of urban centers and rural ranchlands—has shown signs of turning red, a change solidified in the recent election. Trump's ability to resonate with the Hispanic and working-class voters in South Texas highlights the evolving political landscape and the shifting dynamics within these communities.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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