The Campaign and Its Goals
Progressive groups are rolling out a $1.4 million campaign to win back Latino voters from President Trump, and they’re picking Nevada as one of their key battlegrounds.
Trump’s approval rating in Nevada stands at 47 percent while his disapproval rating is 2 points higher, at 49 percent, according to recent polling data. That’s right – the president is underwater in a state he won just last year.
The campaign, led by the Valiente Action Fund and backed by a Democratic network called Way to Win, is trying something different. They’re not just talking about immigration anymore. They want to connect with Latino voters about kitchen table issues like housing costs and grocery bills.
What They’re Doing Differently
Democratic strategist Tory Gavito, who heads Way to Win, says they’re trying to talk to Latino voters “in their full experience” about housing and the cost of living. But here’s the thing – they’re not abandoning their criticism of Trump’s immigration policies. They’re hitting him on both fronts.
The group is running digital ads and sending people door-to-door in Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Texas. They’re trying to convince voters that Trump’s economic promises aren’t working out while also saying his immigration tactics have gone too far.
Why This Matters to Conservatives
This is a big deal for several reasons. First, Latino voters shifted significantly toward Trump in the last election. Nationally, 43 percent of Hispanic voters voted for Trump, up from 35 percent in 2020. That’s a huge gain for Republicans. These progressive groups are now trying to reverse that trend.
Second, Trump’s net approval is underwater in every 2024 swing state for the first time since he took office.
- Wisconsin (-8 net approval rating),
- Michigan (-5 net approval rating),
- Nevada (-3 net approval rating),
- North Carolina (-3 net approval rating),
- Pennsylvania (-2 net approval rating),
- Arizona (-2 net approval rating) all show negative numbers.
The Nevada Battle
In Nevada specifically, the progressives are targeting Republican Governor Joe Lombardo as he seeks re-election. Leo Murrieta, who runs Make the Road Action Nevada, is going after Lombardo for vetoing tenant protection legislation.
“We have to do everything we can to let our gente know who out there has our backs and who is there stabbing us in the back,” Murrieta said, using the Spanish word for people.
The Economic Angle
The groups are trying to make an economic case against Republicans. They’re running ads showing images of billionaires like Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Elon Musk while talking about rising food and electric bills. They’re pointing to rent control victories in places like Passaic, New Jersey, which backed Trump in 2024 after supporting Democrats in 2016.
What Critics Say
Republicans argue that Trump won these voters fair and square by talking about real economic concerns and focusing on issues that matter to working families. The shift in Latino support toward Republicans reflects voters’ concerns about inflation, job opportunities, and the overall economy.
Democrats like Gavito claim the Trump campaign succeeded by crafting a message around the “scarcity of resources” and blaming immigrants for taking jobs. She says some voters were persuaded because they want “access to a thriving economy.”
Looking Ahead
With the 2026 midterms on the horizon, this fight for Latino voters will only intensify. Democrats know they need to win back these voters if they want to regain control of Congress. Republicans need to hold onto their gains to maintain their current power.
The progressive groups are testing their messages now with an eye toward next year’s elections. They’re trying to figure out what works before the stakes get even higher.
What Conservatives Can Do
Conservative voters who support limited government should pay attention to this campaign. If you believe in the Trump agenda, you might want to get involved in local Republican efforts to counter these progressive messages. Talk to your Latino neighbors about conservative economic policies. Support candidates who stand for smaller government and lower taxes.
Remember, elections are won at the grassroots level. One conversation at a time. One voter at a time.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
