Trump flips most Hispanic county in US on way to election victory
In a stunning political achievement, Donald Trump has flipped Starr County, Texas—the most Hispanic county in the United States—marking a historic first for the Republican Party since 1892.
Trump’s victory in this predominantly Latino region, where around 97% of residents identify as Hispanic, is being hailed as a major political milestone in the 2024 election.
Trump won Starr County by a significant margin, securing 57.7% of the vote, compared to Vice President Kamala Harris's 41.8%.
This dramatic shift comes after the county had consistently supported Democratic candidates for over a century, including a strong 79% for Hillary Clinton in 2016 and 52% for Joe Biden in 2020.
Trump's victory is seen as part of a broader trend of his increased support among Hispanic voters, particularly in key battleground states.
The flip of Starr County is emblematic of Trump’s broader appeal to Hispanic communities in 2024. Exit polls revealed a notable surge in support among Hispanic voters, with nearly 46% casting their ballots for Trump—up from 32% in 2020.
This marks the highest share of Hispanic votes for a Republican candidate in decades, surpassing even George W. Bush’s performance in 2004.
Trump’s outreach to Hispanic voters has been fueled by his populist policies, such as opposition to illegal immigration, tax cuts, and promises to protect American workers from foreign economic pressures.
Trump's success in Starr County and similar gains in other Latino-majority regions are partly attributed to his focus on economic issues.
Many Hispanic voters, particularly in working-class communities, expressed frustration with rising inflation, housing costs, and what they perceived as a lack of attention to their needs from the Democratic Party.
Trump’s message resonated with voters concerned about their financial future, with many citing economic hardship under the Biden administration as a driving force behind their decision to support the Republican candidate.
In addition to Starr County, Trump saw significant gains in other traditionally blue areas, such as Carlton County, Minnesota, and Miami-Dade County in Florida, which has a large Latino population.
Trump's appeal to conservative values on issues like family, religion, and economic stability also played a role in attracting Latino voters who felt disconnected from the Democratic Party's more progressive policies.
While some controversies, including a comedian’s offensive remarks at a Trump rally about Puerto Rico, raised concerns about alienating Latino voters, Trump's message of economic opportunity and opposition to "socialism" under Harris appeared to resonate strongly.
In Florida, where the Hispanic population has grown significantly, Trump’s victory margin increased, capturing 56% of the Latino vote—an improvement from his 2020 performance.
The 2024 election results reveal a shifting landscape in U.S. politics, with economic issues, class, and cultural values taking center stage.
Trump’s ability to expand his base beyond traditional Republican strongholds signals a broader transformation in the electorate, where working-class voters—particularly those without college degrees—are increasingly aligning with the Republican Party.
Trump's historic flip of Starr County is a testament to the changing dynamics of US politics, where voter loyalty is no longer dictated solely by party affiliation but by policies that directly address the concerns of the electorate.
Trump has won a second term as US president, surpassing the 270 electoral votes needed for victory.
His Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, conceded and pledged to assist with a peaceful transfer of power.
Trump claimed key battleground states, including Michigan, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. World leaders congratulated him, and the Republican Party regained control of the Senate.