LULAC to endorse Kamala Harris for president
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the nation’s oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization, has made history by endorsing a presidential candidate for the first time since its inception in 1929. CBS News has learned that the organization’s political arm, the LULAC Adelante PAC, will officially endorse Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday.
This endorsement comes at a pivotal moment as Vice President Harris prepares to hold rallies in Glendale, Arizona, and Las Vegas, Nevada – two critical battleground states with significant Latino populations. Domingo Garcia, the LULAC Adelante PAC chairman and a former LULAC president, expressed pride in endorsing Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, citing their dedication to addressing the real issues affecting Latino communities and all Americans nationwide.
The PAC’s board members will join Harris and Walz to announce the endorsement officially before the campaign’s Nevada rally on Saturday. In a statement, the PAC highlighted Harris’s unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and inclusivity, values that resonate deeply with the Latino community and offer hope for a brighter future for the country.
A recent CBS News poll indicates a shift in the 2024 race, with Harris gaining a slight lead over former President Donald Trump nationally. The momentum behind the Harris-Walz campaign has sparked excitement among Democratic supporters, leading to a targeted approach to engage Latino voters through initiatives like the “Determination” ad aimed at battleground states.
Kevin Munoz, a senior spokesperson for the Harris-Walz campaign, emphasized Harris’s track record of taking on powerful entities and her determination to challenge the anti-Latino platform espoused by Trump. Recent polls have shown a decline in support for President Biden among Latino voters, making the Latino electorate a crucial demographic in the upcoming election.
With a record number of 36.2 million eligible Latino voters this year, the Latino community holds significant sway in determining the outcome of the presidential race. States like Arizona and Nevada with sizable Latino populations are expected to play pivotal roles in shaping the path to the White House for Harris or Trump.
In Arizona, where nearly one in four voters is Latino, the race between Harris and Trump is neck and neck, reflecting the critical nature of Latino voter engagement. Nevada, where Latinos make up almost 22% of the electorate, will also be a battleground state crucial for both candidates.
Beyond the endorsement, LULAC’s extensive grassroots operation in key battleground states underscores the organization’s commitment to mobilizing Latino voters and advocating for their interests. By expanding their outreach to states like Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, LULAC aims to amplify Latino voices and ensure their concerns are heard on a national stage.
Garcia reiterated the importance of Harris’s dedication to the Latino community and her vision for a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Americans. He condemned the politics of hate and divisiveness, taking a stand against the anti-Latino rhetoric perpetuated by Trump and his allies.
While the Trump campaign targets its efforts to appeal to Latino voters, particularly Hispanic males in battleground states like Nevada, the Latino electorate remains a significant voting bloc traditionally favoring Democratic candidates. The margin of support among Latino voters has fluctuated in recent elections, highlighting the dynamic nature of Latino voter engagement and its impact on electoral outcomes.
As the 2024 presidential race intensifies, the endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris by LULAC marks a historic moment in Latino political advocacy and underscores the growing influence of the Latino community in shaping the future of American politics.
