In a fiercely contested 2024 election, Pennsylvania emerged as a key battleground once again, providing a platform for Latino voters who, regardless of candidate, cast ballots largely focused on economic concerns. This year’s turnout revealed the Latino community’s growing influence and its significant preference for Kamala Harris, who garnered a decisive 72% of the Latino vote over former President Donald Trump’s 26%. However, as votes were counted, the broader electorate in Pennsylvania ultimately tipped toward Trump, marking a major turning point in the race.
Latino voters in Pennsylvania, according to a poll released by UnidosUS, were primarily motivated by what the organization referred to as «pocketbook issues.» Concerns over the cost of living, job stability, housing affordability, and healthcare were top priorities for Latino voters in the state. This reflects a national trend where Latino voters consistently supported Harris over Trump in several key states—despite differences in support levels from state to state.
Although Harris had a robust Latino backing, her path to securing Pennsylvania’s broader electoral support was hindered. Her campaign invested considerable resources in Latino outreach, with a high-energy effort culminating in a final rally in Philadelphia, traditionally a Democratic stronghold, where she hoped to secure a winning margin. However, while her support among Latinos was substantial, it was not enough to compensate for the broader electorate’s support for Trump, who won the state by a close but decisive margin.
Despite the Democratic campaign’s intensive grassroots efforts, including outreach led by Latino community leaders and the United Farm Workers Union, Harris could not close the gap created by an electorate that leaned Republican in key rural and suburban areas. Trump’s appeal among Pennsylvania’s non-Latino voters remained strong, driven by his narrative of returning “greatness” to America—an idea that resonated particularly well with voters prioritizing national security, immigration, and conservative values.
Interestingly, Trump showed unexpected gains among certain Latino demographics, a trend reflected nationally. A significant portion of Puerto Rican voters in Pennsylvania—whom analysts predicted would reject Trump due to his previous divisive rhetoric—supported the former president. UnidosUS data showed that, in addition to economic issues, concerns over immigration reform and other complex policy areas contributed to this nuanced voting pattern. While Trump’s rhetoric on immigration might have alienated some Latino voters, his campaign successfully connected with others by emphasizing economic opportunities and addressing conservative social values.
THE LATINO INFLUENCE AND FUTURE IMPLICATIONS FOR PENNSYLVANIA’S POLITICAL LANDSCAPE
The results underscore Pennsylvania’s pivotal role in shaping the national political landscape. Since 2020, when Biden narrowly won the state by just 81,000 votes, Pennsylvania has been a constant focus for both parties. The state’s diverse voter base, with a large and politically engaged Latino community, reflects the complexities of national politics. The Harris campaign initially considered choosing Pennsylvania’s Democratic governor, Josh Shapiro, as her running mate to strengthen her appeal in the state, but ultimately selected Tim Walz of Minnesota.
Trump’s victory in Pennsylvania also holds symbolic significance beyond the immediate election. This win paves the way for Trump to become the first president since Grover Cleveland to serve two non-consecutive terms—a milestone that reflects his campaign’s resilience and the political divisions within the U.S. Trump’s supporters, many of whom see his survival of an assassination attempt earlier this year as an act of providence, have been energized by his promise to restore “greatness” to America.
Looking ahead, the 2024 election in Pennsylvania has further demonstrated the complexities within the Latino vote. While the majority remain aligned with the Democratic Party, a subset continues to be influenced by Trump’s appeals, especially on economic and social fronts. The UnidosUS poll reflects the ongoing evolution within the Latino electorate, an essential factor for both parties as they plan future campaigns in this critical state.
The real challenge for both Democrats and Republicans will be in responding to these shifting priorities, particularly as Latinos in Pennsylvania and beyond continue to advocate for economic security, affordable healthcare, and improved immigration policies. In a country experiencing profound political and social divides, the Latino electorate in Pennsylvania serves as both a catalyst for change and a reminder of the importance of addressing issues that resonate across communities.
THREE KEY PENNSYLVANIA COUNTIES THAT SHIFTED REPUBLICAN
While Pennsylvania was one of several battleground states in this election, it again proved pivotal, tipping toward Donald Trump through decisive shifts in three key counties: Bucks, Northampton, and Erie. Each of these counties, which President Biden narrowly won in 2020, swung Republican this cycle, reflecting the broader trend across the state that ultimately helped Trump carry Pennsylvania.
The shift in Bucks, Northampton, and Erie counties is a stark indicator of the growing complexity within Pennsylvania’s electorate. Each of these counties has seen an increase in Latino residents over the past decade, mirroring broader demographic shifts that both parties must consider. Latino voters, who represent a larger share of the voting base in these counties, brought heightened focus to economic concerns—cost of living, healthcare affordability, and housing costs—and voiced a desire for policies that offer practical solutions to these issues.
For Democrats, these counties underscore the need to reevaluate how they connect with Pennsylvania’s increasingly diverse population if they hope to reclaim ground in the next election. Pennsylvania’s evolving political landscape promises to be both a challenge and an opportunity for both parties in future cycles.
