When a post hit my social media feed announcing a Zoom call organized by “Latino Men for Kamala”, I thought – have Latino men ever specifically mobilized on behalf of a Presidential candidate? After a few moments, I thought surely, they have, I am simply not well versed enough to know.
Then on Wednesday night, at the top of the call political strategist and call moderator Chuck Rocha stated “this is a first, to be highlighted, to be able to talk about who we are as men, who we are as part of the community, who we are as fathers and what we want out of this campaign. Latino men will be a centerpiece of any strategy for anyone running for office.”
So, there you have it. The Harris campaign is paying attention, granted it is at a time when it is politically advantageous to do so, however, part of the purpose of the call was to quell such concerns.
Comedian George Lopez and U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla of California led an organizing call for “Latino Men for Kamala” where they sought to reassure voters of the Vice President’s candidacy. However, they were not the only ones. In an unprecedented show of support, Latino men – leaders and constituents alike – from across the United States joined the call. In addition to Lopez, U.S. Representatives Juaquin Castro and Adriano Espaillat, U.S. Secretary of Health & Human Services Xavier Becerra, Representative Jimmy Gomez, former L.A. Dodger Adrian Gonzalez and over 2000 Latino men joined to learn more about the presumptive Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris and show their support.
However, this grassroots effort is more than just a campaign move—it signifies a turning point in political engagement and coalition building within the Latino community. Let’s explore what this means for Latino men, the impact they can have on the election, and the broader issues of concern that have spurred this mobilization.
The Movement Gains Momentum
Kamala Harris’s campaign has seen a surge of support out of the starting blocks. Primarily from those often overlooked and taken for granted demographics who are eager to make their voices heard. This mobilization is not just about electing a candidate. It’s about advocating for issues that matter deeply to the Latino community. From healthcare and education to immigration and economic opportunities. The call is a great example of Latino men stepping up to ensure that their concerns are addressed in the political arena and put their money where their mouthes are. As Rocha noted on the call – “no peso means no say so”. By call’s end a total of $70,000 had been raised.
What It Means for Latino Men
Let’s face it, in today’s lexicon attempts to put negative connotations behind words like “woke” and acronyms like “DEI” have had some success and become code to denigrate people of color and their accomplishments. For many Latino men, supporting Kamala Harris represents a chance to champion diversity and inclusivity in American politics. Here are a few key reasons why this movement is so significant:
- Representation: Kamala Harris’s candidacy offers a unique opportunity for Latino men to see themselves reflected in the leadership of the country. Her diverse background and commitment to social justice resonate with many who feel underrepresented in the political landscape.
- Community Empowerment: By mobilizing for Harris, Latino men are taking an active role in shaping the future of their communities. This grassroots effort empowers individuals to become advocates for change and to work towards a more equitable society.
- Policy Advocacy: Supporting Harris allows Latino men to push for policies that directly impact their lives. Whether it’s fighting for better healthcare access or advocating for comprehensive immigration reform. This movement is about more than just a single election—it’s about long-term change.
The Impact on the Election
The mobilization of Latino men could have a significant impact on the outcome of the election. Here’s how:
- Voter Turnout: Latino men are a crucial voting bloc. Their increased participation could sway key battleground states including Pennsylvania, Arizona and Nevada. High voter turnout among this demographic could be pivotal in determining the election’s outcome.
- Grassroots Campaigning: The grassroots nature of this movement means that support for Harris is coming from the ground up. This type of campaigning is often more effective in reaching and engaging voters. Because it relies on personal connections and community networks. Don’t believe me, look at a certain junior Senator and former community organizer from Chicago in 2008. Community matters.
Several key issues have driven the mobilization of Latino Men for Kamala:
- Healthcare: Access to affordable healthcare is a top concern for many Latino families. Harris’s commitment to preserving the Affordable Healthcare Act better known as Obamacare, keeping prescription drug prices in check, and preserving women’s reproductive rights strike a chord with the needs of the community. Former Major League player Adrian Gonzalez noted as such when he spoke on the call, mentioning that he has daughters and feels that a Harris Presidency will serve as a better advocate for female reproductive rights.
- Immigration: Comprehensive immigration reform is a critical issue for the Latino community. Harris has pledged to protect DACA recipients, create a pathway to citizenship, and reform the immigration system to be more humane and just.
- Economic Opportunities: Economic stability and job growth are essential for the Latino community’s prosperity. Harris’s economic policies focus on creating good-paying jobs, supporting small businesses, and ensuring fair wages for all workers.
Politics at Large
The mobilization of Latino Men for Kamala is a first, but also a testament to the growing political influence of the Latino community. This movement demonstrates the power of grassroots organizing and the importance of representation in the political process. As Latino men continue to advocate for their communities and push for meaningful change, their voices will play a crucial role in shaping the future of American politics.
If you’re inspired by this movement and want to learn more about how you can get involved, visit events.democrats.org