What role do Hispanics play in American politics?

Hispanic Americans have played an increasingly important role in American politics over the past several decades. As the largest minority group in the country, their participation in the political process has grown in parallel with their increasing numbers.

One of the most significant ways in which Hispanics have made their mark on American politics is through voting. According to the Pew Research Center, 7.9% of eligible voters in the 2020 presidential election were Hispanic. This percentage has steadily increased over the years and is expected to continue to rise in future elections. Additionally, Hispanics have played a pivotal role in key battleground states such as Florida, Arizona, and Texas, where they make up a sizable portion of the electorate and can therefore have a significant impact on election outcomes.

Hispanics have also been increasingly represented in political office, both at the federal and state levels. In 2021, there were 37 Hispanic members of Congress, making up roughly 7% of the legislative body. At the state level, Hispanics hold 5 governorships and a growing number of seats in state legislatures. This representation has allowed for Hispanic voices to be heard in the policy-making process, and has led to the passage of legislation aimed at addressing issues that are particularly relevant to the Hispanic community, such as immigration reform and healthcare access.

As a result of their growing numbers and increasing political power, Hispanics have become an important constituency for politicians to court. Political candidates from both major parties have taken notice of this trend and have made efforts to appeal to Hispanic voters through targeted messaging and policy proposals.