Latino Voters May Decide New Jersey Governor After Shifting Toward Trump
In the upcoming New Jersey gubernatorial race, Latino voters are poised to play a crucial role. Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill aims to regain support from this demographic, while her Republican opponent, Jack Ciattarelli, seeks to capitalize on Donald Trump’s recent popularity among Latino constituents.
Current Dynamics in New Jersey’s Latino Vote
Latinos comprise nearly 22% of New Jersey’s population. Notably, Passaic County has the highest concentration of Latinos in the state, accounting for about 43% of its residents. This shift toward the Republican Party is significant, as demonstrated by Trump’s past election gains in the county.
Key Locations of Campaign Activities
- Clifton: Ciattarelli campaigned here, supported by Puerto Rican Governor Jenniffer González-Colón.
- Paterson: Sherrill held an event with Democratic Rep. Nellie Pou, emphasizing the state’s blue identity.
Sherrill stated, “Remember, this state is not red. It is not purple. It is blue,” while connecting with the audience in Spanish to energize the crowd.
Historical Context and Implications
In the 2020 election, Trump lost Passaic County to Biden by 16 points. However, he later secured a nearly 3-point victory over Kamala Harris in 2024. In Passaic city itself, where over 70% of residents are Hispanic, Trump turned a previous 5,000-vote deficit into a gain of nearly 1,100 votes.
Impact of Latino Voters in Upcoming Election
Patricia Campos-Medina, vice chair of Sherrill’s campaign, emphasized the importance of Latino voters in this election cycle. “This is a getting-voters-out election at this moment,” she remarked. While Democrats hope to rally these voters, they also face criticism from some who feel disillusioned with the party’s direction.
Polls indicate that a slim majority of Hispanic registered voters (53%) plan to support Sherrill. Meanwhile, Ciattarelli aims to build on Trump’s support by engaging with this key demographic. He noted that 2 million Hispanic Americans reside in New Jersey and stressed the need to focus on their interests.
Public Sentiment and Key Issues
Many in the Latino community express concerns regarding issues like taxes, education, and immigration. Voters such as Leonardo Pomales, originally from Puerto Rico, highlighted these priorities when endorsing Ciattarelli. He shifted his voting pattern from Clinton in 2016 to support Trump in subsequent elections, citing dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party’s promises.
Conversely, there are apprehensions regarding the Republican Party’s stance on immigration among some Latino voters. Individuals like Jennifer Suarez, a daughter of Cuban immigrants, lament the shift towards Trump and emphasize the importance of supporting inclusive immigration policies.
Election Monitoring and Controversy
As the election approaches, Passaic County becomes a focal point for monitoring voting processes. The Department of Justice announced it would oversee polling places here due to allegations of potential fraud. New Jersey’s Attorney General criticized this move, asserting it risks intimidating voters.
As New Jersey prepares for the electoral contest, the Latino community’s influence in the gubernatorial race is undeniable. Their votes may well determine whether the state remains under Democratic control or shifts toward a Republican agenda aligned with Trump.
