SAN ANTONIO – Latino voters demonstrated a significant shift in the Nov. 5 election, with many supporting former President Donald Trump, marking a notable departure from 2020 voting patterns.

According to CNN exit polls, 45% of Latino voters nationwide chose Trump, a sharp increase from the 65% who supported President Joe Biden in the 2020 general election.

This trend was especially pronounced in Texas, particularly along the border.

“Just because you’re Latino doesn’t mean you’re going to vote Democratic,” said UTSA political scientist Jon Taylor.

Taylor noted that Latino support was crucial for Trump.

“Latinos tend to be more socially conservative. Democrats need to understand that,” Taylor said.

He emphasized the importance of addressing issues such as immigration, the economy, and, in some cases, social issues that influenced shaping the preferences of Latino voters.

While major urban counties remained largely blue in Texas, Vice President Kamala Harris’ margin fell. He performed four points lower than Biden in 2020, including in traditionally Democratic-leaning Bexar County.

Meanwhile, many counties along the Texas-Mexico border, which had been reliably Democratic, turned red in this election.

“People don’t understand how important this is,” Taylor added, pointing to Starr County, a historically Democratic area that voted Republican for the first time.

For many Latino male voters, economic concerns were a major factor in their decision to support Trump.

Bexar County voter Adam Salazar explained his vote, citing dissatisfaction with the current economy and rising housing costs.

“Inflation, plus housing; Right now, rent is through the roof,” Salazar said.

Another voter, Rubén Torres, also supported Trump, prioritizing economic stability.

“The more money you have in your pocket, the better,” Torres said. “If you don’t have money, everyone has difficulties. These last four years have been bad.”

Voter Rudy Cortinas echoed a sentiment: “He’s the only one who does what he says he’s going to do.”

Looking ahead, Taylor believes Democrats need to do more to understand Latino voters.

“They have to understand and address those issues that particularly resonate with Latino voters, especially economic and social issues,” Taylor said.