Republicans must court Hispanic voters

Incredibly, over the last 10 years, more than half of the country’s population growth is directly attributed to Hispanics. Yet, this change has caught many by surprise. Nearly one quarter of all children in the United States who are 17 years of age or younger are of Hispanic descent. Latinos are very young and that means we will be an electoral heavyweight for generations to come. 

One would think politicians would see a huge opportunity and jump at the chance to connect and develop credibility with this critical segment of electorate. In the past, many conservatives have bolted the door instead of rushing through it. Republicans will be unable to ignore these voters much longer, if we expect to grow and have a chance to deliver on the conservative promise of reform, hope and opportunity for every American. 

Hispanics are a force beyond New York, Texas, Florida and California; we are growing in states across the country. In fact, some of the states that have seen the most significant growth are Alabama, Kentucky and South Dakota – to name a few. These aren’t states one would normally expect to be associated with population increases among Latinos.

The takeaway is unmistakable; Republicans can’t compete today without the support of Hispanic voters.  Republican candidates would be wise to embrace reality and begin an earnest, serious and sustained effort to make, maintain and improve inroads with Hispanic voters.

This is more than just abstaining from engaging in rhetoric that is misguided, insulting and demeaning, but to denounce it when it takes place.

It also means putting forward a positive, solutions-oriented agenda that addresses the needs of all voters. The perception that engaging Hispanics requires anything other than sharing one’s beliefs and message is simply false. However, it does require effort.

Latinos by and large are conservatives and they – like every other segment of the population – vote with their pocketbooks. By advancing ideas that create jobs and opportunities, Republican candidates can compete and win.

Nearly eight years ago, a Republican president was re-elected with nearly 45 percent of the Latino vote, including carrying the most Hispanic state in the nation, New Mexico.

The facts speak for themselves. Support among Latinos can be achieved, but it won’t come easy. 

To truly become a majority party, Republicans must gain and maintain Hispanic votes.  Should we fail in this quest, we will be relegated to obscurity. 

Javier Ortiz is Republican strategist and consultant.