The economy returns to center stage in the political debate. Less than a year before the midterm elections, studies and polls show that persistent inflation, rising cost of living and stagnant wages are disproportionately affecting Latino and Black communities. These two groups could be decisive in shaping the next Congress.
An analysis by researchers at Brookings warns that there is a growing disconnect between the optimistic message of President Donald Trump’s administration and the perception millions of families have about their economic situation. Although the White House defends the strength of the economy, many households continue to struggle to cover basic expenses.
The main concern is the cost of living. In recent months, rising prices have put pressure on family budgets, especially among middle and low-income households. Data shows that 57% of Americans believe the country is heading in the wrong direction. Meanwhile, 76% describe current economic conditions as fair or poor.
Why are Latino and Black communities more vulnerable?
Researchers contend that Latino and Black communities are particularly vulnerable to these changes. One reason is that they spend a larger proportion of their income on essential expenses such as housing, food, gasoline, healthcare and childcare.
Additionally, economic sectors with high participation of Latino workers, such as construction, manufacturing and some service industries, have faced uncertainty due to changes in economic and trade policies. This instability directly affects job security and families’ purchasing power.
In parallel, community organizations have reported an increase in demand for food assistance. Food banks and social support programs are registering higher levels of utilization, a sign that many families continue to struggle to make ends meet.
What does the UnidosUS poll say about the Latino vote?
The economy was one of the factors that helped Trump improve his performance among some Latino voters during the 2024 presidential election. However, that support appears to be showing signs of wear as inflation continues to affect people’s pocketbooks.
A recent poll by UnidosUS found that 65% of Latino voters believe that President Trump and congressional Republicans are not sufficiently focused on improving the economy. Additionally, nearly four out of ten Latinos say their financial situation has worsened over the past year.
