In a recent interview on the Pod Save America podcast, former Obama administration adviser Dan Pfeiffer delivered a stark warning to the Democratic Party about the shifting dynamics of Latino voters. Pfeiffer, who played a pivotal role in both of Barack Obama’s successful presidential campaigns, emphasized that if the Democratic Party does not act quickly to address the growing divide between Latinos and the party, the consequences could be devastating for future elections.
While Democrats have historically relied on Latino voters as an essential part of their electoral coalition, recent elections have shown troubling signs of a shift in support. In the 2024 presidential election, former President Donald Trump made significant inroads with Latino voters, especially among Latino men. In some key battleground states, the shift was particularly noticeable, and Trump’s appeal to this demographic was one of the major factors that helped him reclaim a stronger foothold in states like Florida, Arizona, and Texas.
Pfeiffer pointed out that while the Latino vote is still largely in favor of Democratic candidates, the gap has narrowed significantly. In 2020, Joe Biden won the Latino vote by a margin of 59%, but in 2024, the margin had dropped to just 54%. In Florida, where the Latino population has been a driving force in recent elections, the Republican Party has seen increased support from Cuban-American, Venezuelan, and Colombian communities, particularly among first-generation immigrants who are more concerned with issues like national security and economic stability.
Pfeiffer argues that the Democratic Party’s failure to adequately address the needs and concerns of Latino voters could lead to serious long-term consequences. In his view, Democrats have been too complacent, assuming that Latinos will always vote for the party due to its historical support for civil rights and social justice. However, as the Latino population continues to grow, particularly in swing states, the party cannot afford to take their votes for granted.
“The Democratic Party is in real danger of losing the Latino vote if we don’t start listening to them more closely,” Pfeiffer said. “We have to address their concerns about the economy, healthcare, immigration reform, and the overall direction of the country. Right now, they feel that both parties have failed them.”
According to Pfeiffer, a key part of the problem is the perception among many Latinos that the Democratic Party has not followed through on its promises to reform immigration laws and address issues like affordable housing, healthcare, and education. While Biden made some progress on these issues, particularly in the area of immigration, many Latinos feel that the administration’s actions have not matched its rhetoric.
To regain Latino support, Pfeiffer recommends that the Democratic Party focus more on economic policies that resonate with this demographic. Expanding access to healthcare, increasing wages, and improving the affordability of housing are all issues that resonate with Latino communities across the country. Additionally, Pfeiffer suggests that Democrats should make a concerted effort to connect with Latino voters through outreach programs that engage their concerns in a more meaningful way.
“The days of assuming that Latinos will always vote for Democrats are over,” Pfeiffer warns. “If we don’t act now, we could find ourselves in a situation where we’re losing crucial swing states like Florida, Texas, and Arizona—states that could decide the presidency for decades to come.”
As the 2026 midterms approach, the Latino vote will be a key focus of both parties. With Latino voters making up an increasing share of the electorate, especially in critical battleground states, both Democrats and Republicans will need to work hard to win their trust and support.