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

-

Recorded September 16, 2026

-

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 

-

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

-

Recorded September 9, 2026

-

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

-

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?

-

Recorded September 2, 2026

-

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 

-

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

-

Recorded August 26, 2026

-

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/ 

-

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

-

Recorded August 20, 2026

-

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

-

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!

With Chuck on vacation in Alaska, Mike has the stage to himself. He gives his thoughts on up and coming Latino leaders, modern-day voter suppression, and polling data from his brand new poll with David Binder.

In This Episode:

• Looking forward: interviews with top Latino candidates in battleground districts
• Emerging stars of the Latino narrative
• Closed primaries: modern-day Latino voter suppression
• New polling data: Latino’s top issues, government and politician opinions, thoughts on affordability
• California’s problem: leaving the Latino working class behind

-

Recorded August 12, 2026

-

Referenced in This Episode:

• The Sacramento Bee - California’s Latino voters matter — and some insiders want to shut them out: https://www.sacbee.com/opinion/article316626339.html
• Los Angeles Times - Where is L.A.’s homeless money going? $1.6 million over 2 years to shelter CEO offers a glimpse: https://www.latimes.com/california/newsletter/2026-08-12/where-is-all-of-l-a-s-homelessness-money-going-1-6-million-payout-to-shelter-ceo-tells-part-of-story
• Latino Working Class Project: https://latinoworkingclass.com/
  • NEW POLL - California Latino Voter Poll: August 2026: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oKcANAssPRQSr4AJDOTLGWwisvTYVpxy/view?usp=sharing

-

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!

It is an exciting time for Latino candidates and Chuck and Mike have a list of races to look out for. As primaries are called and midterm elections draw nearer, they give their insight into race results and the data behind it all.

In This Episode:

• Michigan Democratic Senate primary - Abdul Al-Sayed’s victory
• Polling misses, partisan polls, and predictive betting markets
• Not ideology, populism as the commonality
• The lessening importance of money in races
• Races to follow - Latinos running in marginal seats against Republican incumbents
  • TX-15: Bobby Pulido, www.bobbypulidofortexas.com
  • AZ-6: JoAnna Mendoza, www.joannamendoza.com 
  • CO-8: Manny Rutinel, www.mannyforcolorado.com
  • CA-22: Randy Villegas, www.villegasforcongress.com 
• DCCC target list expansion

-

Recorded August 5, 2026

-

Referenced in This Episode

• NBC - Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, notching a Midwest victory for the left: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/abdul-el-sayed-wins-michigans-democratic-senate-primary-notching-midwe-rcna589750
• Mike Madrid on Substack - Lies, Damn Lies and Polls: https://greattransformation.substack.com/p/lies-damn-lies-and-polls
• The Hill - House Democrats add 12 GOP seats to target list: https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/6009504-house-democrats-offensive-targets-gop-seats/ 

-

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 and Mike Madrid are excited to have a conversation with New Mexico Speaker Javier Martínez. From energy, to universal childcare, to organizing vs. advocacy, Speaker Martínez breaks down what it takes to run the state of New Mexico and how it may guide politics more broadly.

In This Episode:

• NALEO recap
• Speaker Martínez’ background and origins in politics
• Speaker Martinez on the value of organizers and his journey to Speaker
• Proactive organizing strategy and the success of universal childcare in New Mexico
• Balancing New Mexico’s oil industry with renewable energy initiatives and using oil money to invest in the community
• New Mexico’s role in the Democrat’s 2028 primary calendar
• New Mexico Latino community’s driving issues

-

Recorded July 31, 2026

-

Referenced in this Episode:

• The New York Times - Who Wins (and Who Loses) in the Democrats’ New 2028 Primary Calendar?: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/28/us/politics/democrats-2028-primary-calendar.html
• Find Speaker Javier Martinez @javierfornm on social media and at javiermartinezfornewmexico.com

-

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 are at NALEO for a live taping of the Latino Vote Podcast! They discuss new data on the Latino vote and look into the future of Latino dealignment. Also, stay tuned to The Latino Vote Podcast YouTube channel for a special episode on their Los Angeles Mexican food experience!

In This Episode:

• NALEO 50th anniversary
• Data and analysis on Latino voting patterns
• Working class anxieties and populist disruption
• California politics: the new frontier from representation to results
• Trend predictions and the power of the Latino vote
• Q&A

-

Recorded July 15, 2026

-

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!

New Pew Research report shows growing pessimism about Latino identity and a partisan split in how identity is viewed. Mike and Chuck offer their thoughts on this and more…

In This Episode

• ICE shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston, TX
• New Pew Research report on Latino American identity
• Campaign strategy: current money allocation is not working
• Graham Platner campaign suspended in Maine
• NALEO Conference in Los Angeles and 50th anniversary

-

Recorded July 9, 2026

-

Referenced In This Episode:

• CNN - ICE officer fatally shoots man while conducting traffic stop in Houston, agency says: https://www.cnn.com/2026/07/07/us/houston-ice-shooting-death
• Pew Research Center - U.S. Hispanics Are Divided on Whether Their Identity Helps or Hurts Them in America: https://www.pewresearch.org/race-and-ethnicity/2026/07/09/u-s-hispanics-are-divided-on-whether-their-identity-helps-or-hurts-them-in-america/
• The Guardian - Graham Platner ends Maine Senate campaign after sexual assault allegation: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/08/graham-platner-maine-senate-campaign

-

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!