The bustling hills surrounding Las Vegas are witnessing an ongoing transformation, as the demand for upscale housing continues to soar with the construction of new $5 million homes. The changing landscape is a testament to progress, according to Zoila Sanchez, an experienced real estate agent in the area. However, it also serves as a reminder of the pressing economic and political issue at hand: rising rents and a scarcity of affordable starter homes. While the wealthy can effortlessly find or build what they desire, working-class families face a housing crunch.

Sanchez, who has been a long-time resident and Reagan Republican, believes that a Federal Reserve interest rate cut would have a positive impact, not only on her business and local families but also on her preferred presidential candidate, Kamala Harris. Sanchez commended Harris, calling her a smart and relatable individual who addresses the concerns that she and many others share.

Despite her usual inclination towards Republican candidates, Sanchez remains adamant about not supporting Donald Trump, citing her disapproval of his demeanor, rhetoric, and controversial stance towards immigrants. While Trump gained more support from Latino voters in Nevada during the 2020 election, especially among men, Sanchez remains puzzled by this shift and considers it a matter of machismo rather than policy alignment.

Sanchez had initially planned to vote for Joe Biden due to her dislike for Trump. However, she now expresses excitement to cast her ballot for Kamala Harris in hopes of witnessing history by electing the first woman president. Sanchez remains confident that the energy and enthusiasm she observes for Harris outweigh the increased talk of Trump among her fellow Hispanics.

However, not everyone shares the same perspective. Close friends Rogelio Regalado and Rafael Cerros Jr., who launched a local Spanish-language radio station called Fiesta 98.1 during the pandemic, present a different viewpoint. Cerros, who handles the business side of the station, admits being undecided in the presidential race at the moment. On the other hand, Regalado, the afternoon drive-time host, leans towards supporting Harris but emphasizes the need for her to work harder to secure the Hispanic vote. He feels that Democrats often take the Hispanic vote for granted, given that Hispanics make up approximately one-third of Nevada's population.

The radio station occasionally delves into political discussions during their weekend shows, in addition to engaging listeners through call-ins and attending local events. Regalado expresses surprise at the number of Hispanics he encounters on social media who share posts stating that they are not with Harris. Cerros also notes that many Latinos, who were previously staunch Democrats, are now considering voting for Trump primarily due to the economy, which was severely impacted by the pandemic.

Nevada, heavily reliant on tourism, experienced one of the highest unemployment rates in the country during the Covid-19 pandemic. Although jobs have started to return, the road to recovery has been challenging for working families. Housing and inflation pressures persist, with small businesses still grappling to regain their pre-pandemic strength. Fiesta 98.1's advertisers, mostly small, Latino-owned businesses, reflect this struggle.

On the other hand, Zena Hajji, a resident of Henderson and member of the Muslim community, brings forth a unique concern for Harris. While Muslims comprise a small fraction of the state's population, every vote carries significance in a battleground determined by a mere 33,596 votes four years ago. Hajji expresses frustration about feeling connected to international issues through the actions of the government, particularly when her focus lies in helping the local community. She voices her desire for her tax dollars to contribute to domestic causes instead.

As the housing crunch and varied perspectives take center stage in Las Vegas, the upcoming presidential race continues to command attention. With affordable housing becoming increasingly scarce and diverse communities seeking representation, the outcome of the election holds significant implications for the future of the city and its residents.