Latino voters overwhelmingly supported Kamala Harris in Colorado's general election of 2024, primarily because of her advocacy for economic reform and reproductive rights.
Even though Latinos across the country were moving toward Republican candidates, most of Colorado's Latinos stuck with the Democratic Party. In Colorado, where the number of Latinos is high and rising, this group was very important to Harris's victory.
The Latino Vote in Colorado's 2024 Election
Latino voters in Colorado were a strong force behind Kamala Harris’s victory in the state, with nearly two-thirds backing her.
The exit poll of more than 600 Latino voters showed that Harris’s focus on issues they care about, like wages and reproductive health, won their support.
Economic concerns ranked high among Colorado’s Latino voters. Many said they felt strongly about lowering living costs and raising wages.
Additionally, about 20% of Latinos surveyed were first-time voters, a reminder of the importance of this group for future elections as their participation continues to grow.
Reproductive Rights as a Key Issue
Harris's position on reproductive rights played a significant role in her support among Latino voters. The poll showed that 67% of Latino voters chose Harris because she wants to protect abortion rights and make it easier for people to get reproductive health care.
The focus on health care problems shows a change in priorities, as many Latinos believe that reproductive rights are very important to their health.
In addition, 58% of the Latino respondents who were surveyed thought that Democrats would be more effective in managing abortion rights than Republicans.
This robust endorsement of expanded reproductive rights significantly impacted their vote, demonstrating that the Latino community in Colorado prioritizes personal freedoms and health care.
Trump’s Appeal on Border Security
While Harris received the majority of Latino support in Colorado, Trump still drew some Latino voters, mainly with his stance on border security.
Sixteen percent of Colorado Latinos who voted for Trump said his views on border control were their primary reason for backing him. This reveals a different perspective within the community, as some see stricter immigration policies as necessary for economic stability.
There were worries about immigration among Latinos at JJ's Place, an Aurora bar run by a conservative city council member.
As they felt that restricting unauthorized immigration could boost the economy and safeguard resources, they voiced support for tougher immigration laws.
Congressional District 8 – A Close Race
Gabe Evans, a Republican, and Yadira Caraveo, a Democrat, were still in a close race for Congressional District 8 (CD8) in Colorado. This district, which extends from Thornton to Greeley, is home to nearly 300,000 Latino residents, which constitute more than one-third of the population.
A lot of Latinos in this area backed Caraveo—56% of them did—which could help her keep her seat.
The fact that Caraveo is ahead in CD8 shows how important Latino votes are in this area. A major milestone for the community and evidence of its increasing influence in state politics, Caraveo's victory would make her the first Latina in Colorado's Congress.
In Colorado, Latino voters in 2024 proved that their concerns are varied and impactful, from economic reform and reproductive rights to immigration.
Their votes shaped outcomes and continue to make a difference in Colorado’s political landscape.
