President-elect Donald Trump made history by winning Starr County, Texas, a majority Hispanic county, for the first time in over a century. This victory marked a significant shift since the county last supported a Republican candidate in 1898. Trump secured a 57.7% to 41.8% win over VP Harris in the county, located along the U.S.-Mexico border. This outcome contrasts sharply with the 2016 election, where Hillary Clinton defeated Trump by a wide margin.
Starr County, with over 90% of its residents identifying as Hispanic or Latino according to 2020 Census data, played a crucial role in Trump's success. His performance in this predominantly Hispanic community reflects a broader trend of increasing support among Hispanic voters nationwide. Trump's appeal to Hispanic voters was evident in his six-point gain in support from this demographic group compared to the previous election.
Trump's success extended beyond Starr County, as he also flipped Miami-Dade County in Florida, a major Latino community, winning it by a margin greater than President Biden did in 2020. Republican Representative Carlos Gimenez attributed Trump's appeal to Hispanic voters to shared values of faith, family, hard work, and the pursuit of the American dream, which align with the Republican Party's platform.
Gimenez highlighted concerns about the Democratic Party's shift towards socialism, a stance that may not resonate with Hispanic voters who have fled socialist regimes in their home countries. Trump's ability to attract support from traditionally Democratic constituencies, including Hispanic and Black voters, as well as young voters, was a key factor in his electoral success. Notable increases in support were observed among Hispanic men, Black men, and young men compared to the previous election.
