In response to why he robbed a bank, William Sutton famously said, “because that’s where the money is.” If Sutton were running for president in 2024, he would likely target Pennsylvania’s Hispanic vote, as it is where the votes are. Pennsylvania is a crucial swing state in presidential elections, and its Hispanic population could be the deciding factor.
Despite the importance of this demographic, President Trump’s campaign has shown little effort in reaching out to Pennsylvania’s Hispanic community. In contrast, Joe Biden’s campaign started early and actively engaged with Spanish-speaking voters in the state. Kamala Harris, who replaced Biden, has continued these efforts by booking new ads and participating in interviews with Spanish-language media.
The lack of outreach to Hispanic voters in Pennsylvania has been seen as a missed opportunity by some Republican consultants and party officials. While Trump may have had success in Pennsylvania in 2016 without actively targeting Hispanic voters, the changing demographics of the state make their support crucial in the upcoming election.
The shift in momentum towards Harris in Pennsylvania has been evident in recent polls, with her pulling ahead of Trump. The energy and enthusiasm for Harris’s campaign have been palpable, especially in cities like Allentown, where the Hispanic population is growing rapidly.
Despite Trump’s previous victory in Pennsylvania, the landscape has changed significantly since 2016. The influx of Hispanic residents, as well as other demographic shifts, have made the state more competitive. Trump’s campaign will need to make a concerted effort to reach out to all voters, including Hispanic communities, in order to secure a victory in 2024.