Some Arizona Latinos find a new home within the Republican Party.

“When I was a Democrat, the wall symbolized white supremacy. Now that means security. This is the first year I have fully converted and become a registered Republican. After the Trump assassination attempt, I knew the Republican Party had a home for me, so I decided to drop all my classes and fall semester classes and focus entirely on this campaign. I am a proud Latino, a citizen of the United States and a citizen of Mexico. The Democratic Party has a problem with young men, especially men of color. After the elections, they forget about us. It does not understand man’s pain, man’s loneliness. It interests everyone except men. In 2016, I registered to vote as a Democrat to contribute to the Bernie Sanders campaign. I was a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. I was the Bunny Victory Captain. I voted for Donald Trump when he lost. We did the same thing in 2020. I would say I felt pushed out. There wasn’t even a primary in this election. We have not had our voices heard. They chose a candidate for us and told us, ‘If you don’t vote for that person, you’re a sexist.’ “I felt like there was no place for young Latinos like me.” “As older Republicans, we welcome them.” “This Mexican-American woman gave me a little pamphlet for a prayer group. Blanca is the wife of Gerry Navarro, who is running as a Republican from Santa Cruz. And she was very kind in treating me like a human being. And I saw this kindness.” “Young Latino men want their No. 1 value to represent them.” “I’m starting to realize that Republicans aren’t anti-immigrant. They are people who are against illegal immigration. And the Democrats just kept saying, ‘You’re a racist.’” “no. 2, They are looking at the economy. They want to have a home. They want to be able to afford it.” “I just want to have a family. “How can we do that if the Democrats aren’t focused on the economy and making sure I have the ability to support my family?” “The Democratic Party views Latinos as: You follow me because I tell you to. And they won’t be fooled by it anymore. There’s a solid leg we’ve started and we hope to build on that.”