HOUSTON — With 49 days to go until Election Day, a new poll out from UnidosUS and BSP Research gives the most complete look yet at how Texas Latino voters are thinking this election.
Latino voters make a huge difference in Texas. Hispanics are the second-largest group in Texas, and they're reliable voters.
84% of registered Hispanic voters came out to vote in 2020. That was 23% of all voters, and here's a data point that will ring alarm bells for all campaigns.
"52% of Latino voters in the state said they hadn't heard from anyone (campaign)," UnidosUS Latino Vote Initiative Vice President Clarissa Martinez de Castro said.
That means there's a huge opportunity to still sway this critical voting block. So let's take a look at what these voters care about. The top issue is inflation at 57%, followed by jobs at 41%, immigration at 27%, healthcare at 26% and abortion/crime and guns all tied at 23%.
"Hispanic Latinos in Texas just want elected leaders to focus on their daily lives with straightforward solutions," UnidosUS Texas State Director Eric Holguin said.
Polling found 46% of Texas Latino voters say Democrats are better on their priority issues that's compared to 30% who believe it's the GOP. And you can see that reflected in the major races.
57% plan to definitely vote or are leaning towards Vice President Kamala Harris, while 34% plan to definitely vote or are leaning towards former President Donald Trump. 9% remain up for grabs and undecided.
In the big Senate race, 51% of Texas Latinos prefer Rep. Colin Allred compared to 31% who plan to vote for Sen. Ted Cruz. And a whopping 18% still remain undecided.
On immigration policy, Hispanic voters prefer a balanced approach. Only 18% support things like mass deportation. 50% support a path to citizenship for dreamers and a crackdown on drugs and human smuggling.
And when it comes to abortion Latinos in Texas appear to be in lockstep. An overwhelming 65% of Latinos oppose making abortion illegal and taking away a woman's right to choose.
All of this of course could have a major impact on how Texas votes in less than months. To see complete poll results click here.