**Shifting Tides: Latino Voters Reassess Party Loyalty Amid Economic Concerns**
A recent survey of 1,000 Latino likely voters reveals a significant shift in party allegiance, with the Democratic lead dwindling among this critical voting bloc. The NBC/CNBC/Telemundo poll indicates that Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, holds a 54% to 40% lead over former President Donald Trump, the Republican candidate. This 14-point margin is the narrowest for a Democratic candidate among surveyed Latino voters in at least four elections.
The survey suggests that economic concerns, particularly inflation and the cost of living, are driving this shift. A staggering 77% of Latino voters rate the economy as fair or poor, mirroring the sentiments of the broader population. The cost of living and inflation have become top priorities, surpassing issues like immigration and healthcare.
While Harris maintains strong leads on character issues, Trump has gained ground on economic matters. Latino voters prefer Trump over Harris on dealing with inflation (46% to 37%) and the economy (45% to 41%). This trend is particularly pronounced among younger voters, who have narrowed the gap between the two candidates.
The survey also highlights demographic differences within the Latino community. Latino men are now tied between Trump and Harris, whereas Biden held a 17-point lead in 2020. Latino women still favor Harris, but by a smaller margin than in previous elections.
As the economy continues to dominate the political landscape, Democrats face a challenge in retaining their traditional stronghold on Latino voters. With 65% of Latinos saying their wages are falling behind inflation, the party must address these concerns to maintain its advantage.
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