With the 2026 midterms on the horizon, Latino voters in California and Texas are sending a clear message: the economy is what matters most. According to a new survey from the Latino Community Foundation, 57% of Latino registered voters in California and 56% in Texas name inflation and the cost of living as their most pressing issues—far outpacing debates over immigration, artificial intelligence, or election security.
This isn't just about campaign talking points. For many families, the daily math of rent, groceries, and utilities has become a source of real anxiety. The poll found that half of Latino voters in California (50%) and 52% in Texas say they lack confidence in their ability to cover essential monthly expenses. Housing costs rank as the second-biggest worry in California (36%), while in Texas, employment concerns take that spot (33%).
Personal finances under strain
The survey paints a picture of households feeling squeezed. A majority of respondents in both states say their personal financial situation has gotten worse since January 2025. And when asked who's to blame, they point to Washington—66% of Californians and 73% of Texans attribute rising prices to the policies of Donald Trump's administration, rather than their state governors.
Looking ahead, 62% of California respondents and 60% of Texas respondents fear that upcoming government financial decisions will make their situation even more difficult over the next year. That sense of uncertainty is shaping how they view the political landscape.
Support for economic and tech regulation
Latino voters aren't just worried—they have concrete ideas about what should change. The poll shows strong backing for measures aimed at lowering living costs and reining in corporate power. In California, 62% support a wealth tax on billionaires, and 56% back permanent taxes on high incomes. In Texas, similar proposals draw majority support, though slightly lower.
There's also significant appetite for tackling the housing crisis. A majority of respondents in both states support massive housing developments to increase supply and bring down prices. And on the tech front, voters are paying attention to how artificial intelligence and data centers affect their wallets. As California moves to protect ratepayers from AI-driven costs and Texas pauses data center permits, these issues resonate with Latino communities who worry about rising utility bills.
Trust in elections and the census
The poll also reveals unease about the integrity of democratic processes. A striking 68% of Californians and 67% of Texans say they fear the deployment of federal agents to polling stations. Only about half of respondents feel fully confident that their vote will be counted accurately, and 40% harbor deep distrust about election results.
Confidentiality concerns extend to the 2030 Census. Just 49% of Latino voters in both states say they feel entirely certain about filling out census forms, citing worries about how their data might be used. This could have long-term implications for political representation and federal funding in communities that have historically been undercounted.
Political preferences and the road to November
These economic anxieties are likely to shape the races up and down the ballot. In California's gubernatorial contest, 55% of Latino voters back Xavier Becerra, while 20% favor Steve Hilton. In Texas, 46% support Gina Hinojosa for governor, compared to 27% for Greg Abbott. The Texas Senate race shows James Talarico leading Ken Paxton by a wide margin—52% to 19%.
On a generic congressional ballot, Democrats hold a 61-point advantage in California and a 54-point edge in Texas. That suggests Latino voters are leaning toward candidates who prioritize economic relief and consumer protections.
As the 2026 campaign season heats up, these numbers offer a clear roadmap for candidates: talk about the cost of living, offer concrete solutions, and address the institutional distrust that many Latino voters feel. The communities in California and Texas are not monolithic, but they share a common concern—making ends meet in an economy that feels increasingly out of reach.
