69% of Latino voters disapprove of Trump as midterms approach
New polling shows a sharp drop in support for the president among this demographic, with most favoring Democratic control of Congress.
By Jack Weber ·
Trump’s approval rating among Latino voters has fallen to 27%, while 69% now disapprove of his performance. A new NBC News and Telemundo poll released in October indicates that this shift in sentiment could determine which party controls the U.S. House of Representatives on November 3.
Cost of living and immigration policy drive the dissatisfaction. The survey found that 78% of Latino voters disapprove of how Trump handles the cost of living. Additionally, 74% disapprove of his economic management, and 69% disapprove of his immigration policies. Two-thirds of these voters believe his border control measures have gone too far.
Demographic growth makes this voting bloc more influential than in previous cycles. Pew Research Center projects that approximately 39 million Latinos will be eligible to vote in the 2026 midterms. This represents an increase of more than 5.2 million eligible voters compared to 2022, a 16% jump. Mark Hugo Lopez, director of research on race and ethnicity at Pew, noted that Latinos are now the second-largest group of eligible voters in the country, behind white voters.
Specific districts in Arizona, Colorado, and Texas could hinge on this turnout. Democrats hope to capture key votes in these areas, where Latino populations are substantial. The poll shows that 59% of Latino voters prefer a Democratic-led Congress, compared to 35% who favor Republicans. Furthermore, 54% said their vote is intended to send a message of opposition to the current administration.
Voters on the ground cite economic stagnation and personal fear as primary concerns. Chris Martínez, an Arizona resident who voted for Trump in 2024, told The Associated Press that he feels deceived. "He is not doing anything for us, for our benefit," Martínez said. "And it is a shame, because I was deceived and I feel like a fool." He had expected a prosperous economy and no war.
Clarissa Martínez De Castro, vice president of the Latino Vote Initiative, stated that most Latinos are barely surviving despite working hard. She said voters are looking for candidates who offer solutions to help working families and create an immigration system based on dignity rather than cruelty. Ricardo Rauseo, press secretary for Somos Votantes, told EFE that prices have risen over the nearly two years of the current administration, contrary to expectations of change.
Despite the polling numbers, Trump maintains that his administration is performing well. Speaking to reporters, he said, "I think we are doing well. I have a tremendous Hispanic vote." On October 2, during a campaign trip to Texas, he defended his immigration stance, adding, "We have to do what we have to do," in reference to mass deportations.
