Full Breakdown
Dolores Huerta Calls on Latino Voters Ahead of 2024 Elections
7/1/2026, 6:35:47 AM
Background & Context
Dolores Huerta, 96, co-founder of the United Farm Workers with Cesar Chavez in the 1960s, has long promoted the slogan “Sí, se puede.” In 2015, President Donald Trump claimed Mexico was “not sending their best” and alleged that Mexican immigrants were “bringing drugs, bringing crime, [and] rapists.” Huerta argues those statements ignore that Texas was once part of Mexico.
Core Call to Action
At the Texas Democratic Convention, Huerta told CBS News the moment demands Latino engagement, urging voters in California, Texas and states to “push for change” in the November elections and noting that success in California could be replicated in Texas.
Key Political Figures
The Democratic ticket includes state Senate candidate James Talarico, gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa, and California governor nominee Xavier Becerra; Republicans field Attorney General Ken Paxton and Governor Greg Abbott.
Data & Statistics
New York Times/Siena College polling shows Talarico and Paxton tied at 47 % each, while Abbott leads Hinojosa by single digits. Talarico enjoys 61 % support among Texas Hispanics, a group that backed Trump by 55 % in the 2024 presidential race. In 2018, Democrat Beto O’Rourke captured 64 % of the Texas Latino vote, narrowing his loss to Sen. Ted Cruz to 2.6 points.
Official Statements & Responses
Huerta condemned Trump’s remarks as historically ignorant and labeled Republican attacks on Talarico “ridiculous.” She emphasized the growing influence of Latino voters, noting that both Hinojosa and Becerra are Hispanic and that Becerra is favored in a Democratic California. Talarico described the election as a fight against “divide-and-conquer” tactics he attributes to wealthy media owners. Hinojosa cited the 2018 Latino turnout as proof that a similar surge could secure Democratic wins in 2026.
Criticism & Opposition
Republican campaigns have portrayed Talarico as too far left, highlighting his past statements on gender and other issues. Huerta dismissed those attacks as “ridiculous,” arguing they distract from substantive policy debate.
Why It Matters
The mobilization of Latino voters could alter Texas’s political balance, a state where Democrats have not won a statewide race in decades. A Democratic win in Texas would mirror the success Democrats have achieved in California and could reshape national party strategies ahead of the 2024 presidential race.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I just want to say that this is our moment,” — Dolores Huerta
- “You know, the first thing when [the president] came down that escalator, he attacked Mexicans. … He does not know history. He does not know that Texas was once part of Mexico.” — Dolores Huerta
- “So, if it can happen in California, it can happen in Texas," she added.” — Dolores Huerta
- “When I get 64% of the Latino vote in 2026 I win," Hinojosa argued.” — Gina Hinojosa
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The poll data come from a single New York Times/Siena College survey; no additional polling is cited, limiting verification of the exact margins.
What's Next
The November 2024 elections will test whether the Latino surge translates into Democratic victories in Texas, while both parties intensify outreach to Hispanic voters.
