Brian Leija, a 31-year-old small-business owner from Belton, Texas, shared his perspective on why young Black and Latino men supported Donald Trump in the recent election. Leija, who had voted for Trump in both 2016 and 2020, attributed his support to the economic benefits he had experienced under Trump’s presidency, particularly in terms of tax cuts. As a blue-collar worker, Leija found that tax breaks for small businesses were advantageous for his line of work.
Similarly, DaSean Gallisaw, a 25-year-old consultant from Fairfax, Virginia, expressed his reasons for voting for Trump, highlighting his belief that the Democrats’ rhetoric did not align with their actions when it came to addressing the needs of minority communities. Gallisaw, who is Black, also noted that he had voted for Trump in the past two elections and appreciated the former president’s outreach to minority communities.
The article further discussed the shift in support for Trump among Black and Latino voters, particularly men under the age of 45. While Trump lost to Joe Biden in the 2020 election, he was able to gain a larger share of Black and Latino voters, with a significant increase in support from young men in these demographics. The economy and job opportunities were cited as key factors that made young voters more open to supporting Trump.
Juan Proaño, CEO of LULAC, emphasized that Trump’s messaging on the economy resonated with Latino voters, leading to increased support for the former president. Proaño highlighted the importance of economic issues, inflation, wages, and immigration reform in shaping the voting preferences of Latino men.
The article also touched on the impact of Trump’s hypermasculine appeal on younger men of color, with Rev. Derrick Harkins noting that this messaging had been effective in winning over some voters. The desire for strong leadership was another factor that made Trump appealing to a majority of voters, particularly among Hispanic voters who viewed him as a strong leader.
Overall, the article provided insights into why young Black and Latino men supported Trump in the recent election, shedding light on the role of economic policies, outreach efforts, and leadership qualities in shaping their voting decisions. The diverse perspectives shared by individuals like Brian Leija, DaSean Gallisaw, and Juan Proaño offered valuable insights into the complex factors influencing voter preferences in the political landscape.
