Latinos’ Key Role in Shaping Congressional Races in Colorado

The Latino vote is set to play a crucial role in shaping congressional races in Colorado this year, particularly in suburban Denver and potentially even the Western Slope. With Latinos representing a significant portion of the state’s population, their votes could have a significant impact on the makeup of Congress come fall.

According to Metro State University political science professor Robert Preuh, Latinos make up roughly 15% of Colorado voters, despite comprising 23% of the state’s residents. This difference is attributed to the younger age of many Latinos and the presence of non-citizens within the population.

Advocacy organizations like Mi Familia Vota are working to ensure that Latinos are aware of their voting eligibility, especially as 17.5 million Latinos are projected to cast ballots in the upcoming election, with a significant portion doing so for the first time in a presidential election.

In the 8th Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo, the first Latina elected to Congress in Colorado, won her seat in 2022 thanks to strong Latino support. Her re-election bid is expected to rely heavily on Latino voters once again.

Meanwhile, the 3rd Congressional District, previously held by U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, is now a wide-open race with a sizable Latino population that could sway the outcome. Issues like reducing inflation, addressing climate change, improving job opportunities, addressing gun violence, and protecting access to abortion are key concerns for Latino voters in Colorado.

The upcoming state measure enshrining abortion rights in the state’s constitution is expected to drive Latino voter turnout, providing a tangible way for voters to impact the lives of thousands. With newer Latino voters showing less party affiliation than established voters, their preferences could have a significant impact on the outcome of key races in the state.