DENVER — A recent rally in Colorado featuring presidential hopeful Donald Trump showcased posters depicting mugshots of Hispanic men dressed in prison-orange jumpsuits, setting a tone of fear regarding violent crimes linked to illegal immigration. Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert fired up the crowd, asserting, “These illegal aliens, they deserve a one-way ticket home!” to enthusiastic applause.
However, Gabe Evans, a Republican candidate for Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, took a less inflammatory approach. He criticized Democrats for “opening our borders,” yet avoided delving into immigration specifics that could easily earn him favor from the crowds. As Evans navigates this district, which boasts a nearly 40% Latino demographic and could heavily influence congressional control, he is striving to demonstrate a firm stance on immigration without veering into threatening language.
This delicate balancing act is mirrored by Rep. Yadira Caraveo, the current Democratic holder of the seat. The pediatrician has adopted a strong position on border security amidst a growing complexity of opinions on immigration, particularly within the Latino community. Both candidates, being Hispanic themselves, find the 8th District a unique platform for appealing to Latino voters while avoiding the extremes of inflammatory speech or accusations of being soft on immigration.
“In a polarized electorate, where many individuals have firmly picked their sides, every small movement counts,” remarked Carlos Odio, who co-founded the Latino polling group Equis. “A sizable portion of Latino voters remains undecided, and failing to compete for their votes could be a crucial error.”
Central to both Evans and Caraveo’s efforts is the acknowledgement that Latino voters are not a homogeneous group. While surveys indicate a general leaning toward Democrats, Trump’s performance among Hispanic voters improved, as evidenced by a Pew Research Center analysis of past elections.
Nonetheless, the underlying reasons for this shift have ignited fervent discussions among strategists and commentators, particularly regarding the rhetoric Trump and some Republicans have employed. Regardless, clarity is critical as Democrats strive to retain long-time supporters while Republicans perceive a golden opportunity.
This nuanced landscape was evident during a recent debate in the 8th District. When asked about Trump’s derogatory remarks about immigrants, Evans, who received a Trump endorsement, expressed disapproval of racist statements but refrained from labeling Trump’s comments directly. In a subsequent interview, he rejected the use of the National Guard to detain undocumented immigrants, suggesting that there are numerous issues related to such an action.
Caraveo, during the same debate, was questioned about her earlier stance on diminishing funding for border enforcement agencies. Responding, she indicated, “My constituents do not believe that, and so I would vote against that,” showcasing her inclination toward representing the views of her electorate over party lines. She elaborated afterwards, explaining her moderate position stems from constituents feeling overlooked in their pursuit of legal status after years of residing in the U.S.
Both candidates realize that they need to convince some Latino voters that they are worthwhile representations in Washington. “We can’t just talk about immigration,” Caraveo noted. “We need to include the Latino community in the overall decision-making processes.” During a recent Hispanic forum in Denver, Evans was informed that he was the first Republican to attend, prompting him to express disappointment, as such engagement is crucial.
Evans believes that many in the Hispanic community feel misled by Democratic promises, stating, “They’re unable to achieve American prosperity or generational wealth.” This sentiment strikes a chord as voters scrutinize candidates’ platforms.
The balancing act of Caraveo resonated with constituents like Tanya Trujillo-Martinez, who believes that her role extends beyond party allegiance. “We want our voices heard, but often once we reach the table, it’s as if the volume is turned down,” she remarked after attending a Latino forum.
Conversely, while Trump’s engagement with Latino voters has been criticized, some, such as Desiree Serna, continue to support him. Having voted for Trump in previous elections, she expressed a complex mix of loyalty and dissatisfaction regarding his more controversial statements, such as his unsubstantiated claims about immigrants. Although she advocates for stricter border security, she does not agree with his proposals for mass deportation.
As the conversation continued at an event where Evans was present, Juan Hernandez, a construction worker and attendee, raised concerns about homelessness. Evans connected the issue to drug use, attributing ramifications to Democratic policies that limit police authority. Hernandez’s follow-up question, pondering whether these issues would be treated differently if they involved a white individual, prompted Evans to assert that he believes the Democratic agenda hinders comprehensive crime prevention.
Hernandez seemed to reciprocate interest in Evans, indicating he might support him in the upcoming election.