A new statewide survey Latino voters in California shows dissatisfaction with the direction of the country, concern about the economy, and widespread disapproval of President Donald Trump’s handling of key issues.
Yet, the poll also reveals a lack of clarity around Proposition 50, a measure tied to redistricting, suggesting Latino voters will be pivotal in shaping both state and national outcomes in the coming year.
The poll released Tuesday by the Latino Community Foundation surveyed 1,200 registered Latino voters across the state, oversampling in the Inland Empire and Central Valley to capture regional perspectives. The survey was conducted between Sept. 8-16.
Julian Castro, CEO of the foundation, said the poll offers “a temperature check” on Latino sentiment about elected officials and pressing issues.
“We believe that what Latino voters are thinking in California right now is going to be tremendously important to what happens in November on items like Prop. 50, and also ultimately to what happens in the midterm elections in 2026,” Castro said.
Economic concerns drive dissatisfaction
The poll revealed that nearly half of Latino voters, 47%, believe their personal economic situation has worsened since the start of the Trump administration, including 50% of respondents in the Central Valley. When asked if the administration has been effective in addressing inflation and the rising cost of living, 68% said no.
Gary Segura, principal at the company that conducted the survey, BSP Research, noted that the findings mark a sharp decline in optimism compared to surveys conducted just a year ago.
“We found a 35-point turnaround in a negative direction,” Segura explained. “Latinos are a remarkably optimistic community, but this is the most pessimistic finding we’ve ever seen.”
Latino voters expressed support for progressive state policies aimed at economic fairness. More than 80% favored requiring wealthy corporations to pay higher taxes, creating investment funds for housing, regulating artificial intelligence, and having clean energy community benefits. About 73% supported expanding California health care programs for undocumented immigrants.
Broken promises and approval ratings
Immigration remains a defining issue for Latino voters. Three out of four respondents said President Trump broke his campaign promise to target only violent offenders for deportation.
“Half report that they’re worried for themselves or a family member or other loved one who is at risk,” said Segura. “And by a 3-to-1 margin, Latino voters believe that President Trump broke his promise and is deporting more than just criminals, arresting people who are just going about their daily lives but happen not to have documentation.”
The poll also found overwhelming support, by a 3-to-1 margin, for legislation banning federal agents from wearing masks, a measure Gov. Gavin Newsom signed earlier this month. Respondents cited both safety and transparency as reasons for support.
“We found a 35-point turnaround in a negative direction,” Segura explained. “Latinos are a remarkably optimistic community, but this is the most pessimistic finding we’ve ever seen.”
Latino voters expressed support for progressive state policies aimed at economic fairness. More than 80% favored requiring wealthy corporations to pay higher taxes, creating investment funds for housing, regulating artificial intelligence, and having clean energy community benefits. About 73% supported expanding California health care programs for undocumented immigrants.
Broken promises and approval ratings
Immigration remains a defining issue for Latino voters. Three out of four respondents said President Trump broke his campaign promise to target only violent offenders for deportation.
“Half report that they’re worried for themselves or a family member or other loved one who is at risk,” said Segura. “And by a 3-to-1 margin, Latino voters believe that President Trump broke his promise and is deporting more than just criminals, arresting people who are just going about their daily lives but happen not to have documentation.”
The poll also found overwhelming support, by a 3-to-1 margin, for legislation banning federal agents from wearing masks, a measure Gov. Gavin Newsom signed earlier this month. Respondents cited both safety and transparency as reasons for support.