Politics
Arizona Latino outreach gets share of $22.1 million midterm push
A four-group coalition is investing in voter registration and field organizing across 10 states, including Arizona, where advocates point to close races and large numbers of eligible Latino voters who have not voted. Cost of living is emerging as a leading concern in canvassing and polling.
PHOENIX — A coalition of national Latino organizations says it will spend $22.1 million on voter registration, field organizing and other outreach in 10 states, including Arizona, ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The Vamos a Votar coalition includes LULAC, UnidosUS Action Fund, Mi Familia Vota and Latino Victory. Arizona organizers say Latino voters could influence closely contested races at both the state and federal levels.
Dr. Enrique Davis-Mazlum, Arizona director for UnidosUS, said more than 22 Arizona races had been decided by fewer than 10 votes. He also pointed to Congressional District 1: more than 50,000 Latino residents did not vote there, while the 2024 race was decided by fewer than 5,000 votes, he said.
Mi Familia Vota organizer Juan Luna, who is canvassing in Maricopa County, said voters are increasingly focused on the cost of living. He said some people who supported Republicans in 2024 now appear less certain, citing rising costs and immigration raids as concerns he hears at the door.
Polling offers a snapshot of those concerns and preferences. An Arizona State University poll conducted in late August found Hispanic voters favoring Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs over Republican Andy Biggs, 57% to 20%. A separate Unidos poll found about 70% of Hispanic voters ranked affordability as their top priority.
The coalition’s investment is aimed at registration and direct voter outreach, as organizers seek to turn interest into participation in a state where narrow margins can shape election outcomes. The figures and polling point to the potential influence of Latino voters, while individual voters’ priorities and choices remain varied.