In a recent series of columns for the Los Angeles Times, Metro columnist Gustavo Arellano embarked on a road trip through the American Southwest in search of Latino communities in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election. Arellano’s journey took him across seven states and nearly 3,000 miles, where he encountered resilient and independent Latinos focused on their local communities rather than national politics.
Despite the changing political landscape, Arellano found that Latino voters are not a monolith and are tired of being scared into voting a certain way. He coined the term “rancho libertarianism” to describe Mexican American voters who embrace individualism while still working to better their communities. This may explain the gains that Trump has made among Latino voters since 2020.
Arellano’s conversations with Latinos revealed a distaste for Trump and little enthusiasm for Harris, pointing to a disconnect between the national narrative and the concerns of local communities. The spirit of Voltaire’s “Candide,” emphasizing the importance of taking care of what’s in front of us, resonated with the people he spoke to.
The series also highlights the need to focus on improving local conditions rather than getting caught up in national politics. Arellano urges readers to listen to the local voice and apply it to their own communities. The column series offers a unique perspective on Latino voters in the Southwest and their role in shaping the political landscape leading up to the 2024 elections.
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