The Latino Vote

Mike Madrid presents Sons of the Valley - the Central Valley of California and the Rio Grande Valley of Texas are playing key roles in the upcoming midterm elections. This episode features an interview with Central Valley native and CA-22 candidate Randy Villegas on what it means to be from the valley and how his campaign is doing politics differently.

In This Episode:

0:00 Intro

2:30 Randy Villegas Interview

5:06 Doing politics differently: communities v.s. corporate interests, not right v.s. Left

7:04 What it means to be from the valley & growing up in the community

10:25 Democratic success in a conservative district: what’s happening?

16:16 What Randy’s future America looks like

17:38 Sons of the Valley: Randy Villegas and Bobby Pulido’s valley origins and uncompromising values

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Recorded October 4, 2026

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Chuck Rocha comes to you from the road this week to analyze campaign spending, rallies, and ads for the upcoming midterm elections. Also stay tuned to the channel for more content coming this week!

In This Episode:

0:00 Intro

2:28 Republicans pulling money from races - what this tells us about the midterms

7:36 JD Vance in Tyler, TX and Trump in Alaska expose the moving goal line for Republicans

11:11 Closing ads highlighting cost and corruption

15:17 Keeping up leading up to the election

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Recorded October 14, 2026

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Referenced in This Episode:

• PBS - Republicans retreat from battleground districts as lines shift in House races: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/republicans-retreat-from-battleground-districts-as-lines-shift-in-house-races 
• ABC 7 KLTV - Vice President JD Vance stumps at historic GOP midterm rally in Tyler: https://www.kltv.com/2026/10/13/vice-president-jd-vance-bring-gop-campaign-push-tyler-through-historic-midterm-rally/ 
• Nuestro PAC (nuestropac.com) on Twitter: https://x.com/NuestroPAC/status/2110363203418886652 
• Donate to Nuestro PAC to get Chuck’s ad on air: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/nuestropac 

Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!

Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcast

Find us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcast

Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_Vote

Visit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.vote

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Sabrina Rodriguez, reporter for the Wall Street Journal, joins Chuck and Mike this week to discuss the midterms and her latest work from her home in South Florida. Listen in to hear what she’s seeing in her work around the country.

In This Episode:

0:00 Intro

1:49 Sabrina’s WSJ reporting & the South Florida political climate

7:12 Texas to Florida - is the Latino vote a monolith?

14:52 Reporting on the Latino community: the new hot thing + what are people missing

22:29 Campaign ad spending & ad efficacy

31:10 Young voters in Florida: top issues & who will solve them

37:52 The Latino dealignment’s consequences for the 2028 presidential elections

40:08 Upcoming stories and what will a WSJ reporter be looking for during the midterms

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Recorded October 7, 2026

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Referenced in This Episode

• WSJ/Sabrina Rodriguez - I Went Home to Miami to See How Hispanic Voters Feel About Trump and Immigration: https://www.wsj.com/video/i-went-home-to-miami-to-see-how-hispanic-voters-feel-about-trump-and-immigration/762E1D8A-E279-46BA-AE88-3EB8C05A560B 
• CBS - Ad by state Sen. Angela Paxton in the Texas Senate race splitting some Republicans: https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/campaign-ad-angela-paxton-ken-paxton-texas-senate-race-republicans/ 

Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!

Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcast

Find us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcast

Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_Vote

Visit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.vote

If you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!

Polls are showing close races and Dems leading in districts that Republicans expected to be easy wins. Chuck and Mike walk you through the trends that reflect this and how the Latino vote will shape the midterm elections.

In This Episode:

• Latino working-class voters are moving the polls in marginal races
• Redistricting and the midterm landscape in R states
• Latinos are voting as a block in the midterm elections + reporting on Latino voters
• Campaign ads, messaging, and spending
• Looking forward: Mike with Randy Villegas and Bernie Sanders + Mike’s Sons of the Valley

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Recorded September 30, 2026

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Referenced in This Episode

• WSJ - I Went Home to Miami to See How Hispanic Voters Feel About Trump and Immigration: https://www.wsj.com/video/i-went-home-to-miami-to-see-how-hispanic-voters-feel-about-trump-and-immigration/762E1D8A-E279-46BA-AE88-3EB8C05A560B 
• Mike Madrid on X - https://x.com/madrid_mike/status/2104944951180300477?s=20 
• Texas Monthly/Jack Herrera - The War for the Rio Grande: https://www.texasmonthly.com/interactive/rio-grande-water-wars/ 

Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!

Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcast

Find us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcast

Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_Vote

Visit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.vote

If you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!

President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have reached a historic low after he failed to deliver on campaign promises. Chuck and Mike are back together to talk about the implications of this for the midterm elections.

In This Episode:

• Hispanic polling and dealignment is going mainstream
• Massive swings in Latino vote continue to show in midterms
• Trump dragging down Republican party in upcoming elections
• Trump’s last minute spending: will it make a difference?
• Looking forward: Randy Villegas interview
• Trump’s banning of news outlets and UN speech

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Recorded September 23, 2026

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Referenced in This Episode:

• Ads referenced by Chuck:

TX-15 - Bobby Pulido Positive Ad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zjqz1xHdgY

HMP Record Infame: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqO7Ptcu9uA

AZ-06 - Campaign Joana Mendoza Positive Ad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozc1dkih0aM

HMP: Juan Ciscomani No podemos esperar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWPlhZKf3To

CO-08 - Manny Rutniel Positive Ad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eODWeECvhUw

HMP: Gabe Evans Negative Con Miedo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Yv9KWbXm1s

CA-22 - Randy Villegas Positive Ad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mliK-Igp6k8

UUAF Negative Ad: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Db_Rqf3BSIn/?stkn=bG5zaDg0N3YwZTAx

• The Hill - Trump’s approval plunges into the 20s, and Republicans give up: https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/6104722-trump-approval-low-gop/ 
• The Washington Post - Trump, Republicans launch ad blitz for midterms as races favor Democrats: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/09/21/maga-inc-other-trump-linked-groups-plan-ad-blitz-boost-republicans-midterm/ 

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Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!

Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcast

Find us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcast

Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_Vote

Visit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.vote

If you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!

Chuck Rocha takes over the podcast today to talk about new polling, strategy, and midterm news. He is joined by Michael Frias, CEO of data analytics firm Catalist who gives his insight on voter trends and strategies for the upcoming elections.

In This Episode: 

• Voter anxiety continues to lead voters away from Republicans in the midterms
• Trump announces he will be spending >$130 million on midterm elections
• Gina Hinojosa running close race with three term incumbent Governor Abbott in Texas
• Polls show Latinos going back to Dems while Latino voter turnout is up in Midterm primaries
• Erosion in Trump support from younger voters & younger voters of color 
• Key to upcoming elections: persuasion - targeting young, infrequent voters

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Recorded September 16, 2026

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Referenced in This Episode

• NYT - Trump Plans Blitz of $138 Million and Counting to Save Midterm Republicans: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/15/us/politics/trump-maga-inc-midterm-spending.html 
• KXAN Austin - New poll shows Hinojosa ahead of Abbott for first time, Talarico leads Paxton: https://www.kxan.com/news/texas-politics/new-poll-shows-hinojosa-ahead-of-abbott-for-first-time-talarico-leads-paxton/ 
• NYT - Democrats Gain Edge as Trump Drags Down G.O.P., New Poll Finds: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/15/us/politics/trump-midterm-election-poll.html 

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Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!

Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcast

Find us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcast

Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_Vote

Visit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.vote

If you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!

Chuck and Mike keep you up to date on the latest in midterm election developments. Listen to their thoughts about new data on Latino voters, the first Republican midterm convention, and their predictions on battleground races.

In This Episode

• Chuck’s visit to Jackson campaign in Maine & the Maine midterm landscape
• Battleground polling of Latinos shows broad and deep shift away from Republicans
• 2026 election lesson: Latino independent voters are key
• Trumpapalooza: first ever Republican midterm convention
• Deportation anxieties, economic stress, and Daysi’s story
• Expanding Senate map - Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska

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Recorded September 9, 2026

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Referenced in This Episode

• Axios - Exclusive poll: GOP's gains among Latinos fade in House battlegrounds: https://www.axios.com/2026/09/08/poll-latino-voters-trump-gains-fade 
• NPR - Republicans kick off a 'Trumpapalooza' of a midterm convention Wednesday in Texas: https://www.npr.org/2026/09/09/nx-s1-5961045/republican-midterm-convention-dallas-trump-vance
• The New Yorker - A Political Operative on the Verge of Self-Deportation: https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-lede/a-political-operative-on-the-verge-of-self-deportation

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Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!

Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcast

Find us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcast

Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_Vote

Visit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.vote

If you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!

Polling on the 2026 Midterm elections shows big gains for Democrats as Trump causes chaos for the economy. Chuck and Mike talk about how Democrats can take advantage of Republican blunders and how Republicans seek to stop them.

In this Episode:

• Midterm polling: Trump’s poor economy shows consequences for Republicans, mimicking the 2024 Biden drag
• New developments in Trump’s continued attempts at suppression of mail-in voting
• Democrats take advantage of Trump’s collapsing support, setting eyes on R +12, 15, 16 seats
• New poll shows corruption as major issue on minds of most Americans
• Will Trump use his PAC to save Republican seats?

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Recorded September 2, 2026

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Referenced in This Episode

• House Majority PAC - HMP Poll: Leela Gray LEADS Anna Paulina Luna in FL-13: https://www.thehousemajoritypac.com/news/hmp-poll-leela-gray-leads-anna-paulina-luna-in-fl-13 
• YouGov - A rising share of Americans say the economy is getting worse: https://yougov.com/en-us/articles/54815-a-rising-share-of-americans-say-the-economy-is-getting-worse 
• CNN - USPS whistleblower describes new plans for voting by mail hidden from the public: https://www.cnn.com/2026/09/01/politics/usps-whistleblower-mail-ballot-rules-trump 
• Daily Mail - Embattled Republican Ken Paxton makes embarrassing Four Seasons gaffe while campaigning in Texas: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16093391/Embattled-Republican-Ken-Paxton-Four-Seasons.html
• Gallup - Record-High 89% in U.S. Say Government Corruption Widespread: https://news.gallup.com/poll/713933/record-high-say-government-corruption-widespread.aspx 

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Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!

Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcast

Find us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcast

Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_Vote

Visit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.vote

If you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!

Texas is shaping up to have some of the most highly anticipated races in this year’s midterm elections. Chuck and Mike discuss the strategy, polling, and culture behind these races and their significance for the country.

In This Episode:

• Beeville, Texas: Mike’s experience of politics in small town Texas
• Bobby Pulido and the importance of local culture in Texas elections
• Four Latino candidates to watch: TX-15 Bobby Pulido, CO-8 Manny Rutinel, CA-22 Randy Villegas, AZ-6 JoAnna Mendoza
• The Sun Belt opportunity for Democrats
• Polls show growing issue in American minds: corruption
• James Talarico strategy: messaging on corruption

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Recorded August 26, 2026

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Referenced in This Episode

• Mike Madrid on Substack: https://substack.com/@madridmike
• Latinos in contested congressional races:
  • Bobby Pulido: https://www.bobbypulidofortexas.com/ 
  • Manny Rutinel: https://www.mannyforcolorado.com/ 
  • Randy Villegas: https://www.villegasforcongress.com/ 
  • JoAnna Mendoza: https://www.joannamendoza.com/ 

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Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!

Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcast

Find us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcast

Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_Vote

Visit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.vote

If you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!

Despite Texas Republicans’ attempts to push Democrats out of seats through redistricting, Texas Dems continue to fight. Sheriff Johnny Garcia is one of those candidates, running for the seat in Texas’ 35th Congressional District.

In This Episode:

• Sheriff Johnny Garcia’s background and why he’s running
• Dynamics running as a law enforcement officer in the Democratic Party
• What the swinging Texas vote tells us about what Texans want from politics
• Bending politics to the culture, not the culture to the politics
• Texas competitive race strategy, messaging, and predictions

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Recorded August 20, 2026

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Referenced in This Episode:

• BallotPedia - Redistricting in Texas ahead of the 2026 elections: https://ballotpedia.org/Redistricting_in_Texas_ahead_of_the_2026_elections
• Johnny Garcia Campaign Website: votejohnnygarcia.com

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Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!

Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcast

Find us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcast

Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_Vote

Visit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.vote

If you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!