Texas Latino voters weigh options as cost of living dominates concerns

More than a thousand participants gathered at the Fairmont Austin for the annual UnidosUS conference, where Latino Texans repeatedly emphasized that the cost of living is their top priority, followed by jobs and wages. Santiago Sueiro, a senior policy analyst with UnidosUS, noted that these economic issues outrank immigration and health care in importance. Attendees also expressed satisfaction with a quieter border but opposition to mass deportations and ICE actions. Polls presented at the event indicated that roughly 20 % of Latino voters who supported Donald Trump in 2024 say they would not back him today, opening a potential advantage for Democrats. Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa highlighted the growing influence of Latino voters, while Austin resident Olivia Dominguez, who recently lost her job, said the Democratic Party might now have an edge.