How Latino voters could sway key Colorado races
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Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
Thornton resident Ernestine Garcia says this year's vote matters more than ever, citing the weakening of the Voting Rights Act. As a voter in Colorado's 8th Congressional District, her ballot is especially consequential.
Why it matters: Latino voters in Colorado, like Garcia, could prove decisive in the ultra-competitive 8th District contest — and potentially the 3rd District — according to a new report and experts.
State of play: Nationally, Democrats are in a position to regain Latino voters as support for President Trump softens among a bloc that helped fuel his 2024 victory.
- A new UnidosUS poll found deteriorating support for Trump among Hispanic voters, with 1 in 4 saying they wouldn't vote for him again if they could.
Yes, but: It's unclear whether Democrats can re-engage more Latino voters to help them win key races, including in Colorado, Rafael Collazo, UnidosUS Action Fund executive director, tells us.
- Collazo calls the 8th District "a bellwether congressional district for the country," adding that Latino voters will be key in deciding the outcome.
Zoom in: Garcia attended a campaign stop for 8th District candidate, state Rep. Manny Rutinel, at a Commerce City Mexican restaurant last month.
- The stop targeted Latinos, who make up roughly 40% of the district's population, the largest share of any Colorado congressional district.
What they're saying: "I believe my vote matters, not just my vote, [but] my voice ... I would say now more than ever, please get out and vote," Garcia, a 73-year-old retired educator, tells us.
Context: The 8th District has elected only Latino representatives since voters first chose a member of Congress in 2022. Republican U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans holds the seat.
- Rutinel is pitching himself as a "Latino working-class candidate." Last month, he secured an endorsement from the UnidosUS Action Fund.
- He tells us he feels the pressure affecting Latinos as his own, including fears over federal agents, ICE raids and Medicaid cuts.
What we're watching: The 3rd Congressional District could turn more competitive if recent Latino voting trends continue, according to new modeling from Democratic group Oath.
Reality check: The Western Slope seat remains Republican-leaning, and the Cook Political Report rates U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd as the favorite for reelection.
The bottom line: Expect both major parties to court Latino voters across Colorado's Front Range in an effort to boost their chances of controlling the U.S. House.