Disillusioned Latino voters in Arizona question Trump’s promises ahead of 2026 midterms
Economic strain and the Iran conflict have turned some Arizona Latino voters away from Trump, raising uncertainty for upcoming congressional races.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Arizona’s Latino community, which helped deliver Donald Trump back to the White House in 2024, is now expressing disappointment over rising gas prices and a prolonged conflict with Iran, according to two Associated Press‑based reports published by the Winnipeg Free Press on Oct. 18, 2026.
What happened
Chris Martinez, a 28‑year‑old maintenance technician from Casa Grande, voted for Trump expecting a thriving economy and an end to overseas wars. Instead, he says he has had to return a vehicle to the lender, switched his grocery shopping to a discount store, and watched the United States engage in months‑long hostilities with Iran.
Martinez’s comments were recorded during a campaign event on Oct. 15, 2026, where Democratic congressional candidate JoAnna Mendoza (D‑AZ‑6) was canvassing in Oro Valley.
What the reports add
- The reports note that Latino voters shifted toward Trump two years ago, helping return him to the White House with a Republican‑controlled Congress, and that the upcoming Nov. 3 midterms could hinge on heavily Latino districts in Arizona, Colorado and Texas.
- Both articles describe Casa Grande as a town of about 70,000 people situated between Phoenix and Tucson, with a mix of affordable housing developments, gated golf‑course communities, and a downtown that serves as a crossroads for the region.
- Republican Rep. Juan Ciscomani, seeking a third term in Arizona’s 6th Congressional District, is subtly distancing himself from Trump while emphasizing his immigrant background; in a campaign ad he says, “I’m not a rubber stamp for anyone.” \n
- Juan Ciscomani’s Democratic opponent is JoAnna Mendoza, a former Marine who highlights her upbringing as the daughter of immigrant farmworkers.
- Mendoza told the Winnipeg Free Press earlier in the year, “People trust you if you know that you came from the community and understand their way of life.”
- The articles mention that some longtime Republican voters, such as 61‑year‑old Chris Durant, remain unfazed by gas prices, saying, “We really don’t worry about gas and prices and what not.”
What was said
“He’s doing nothing for us, to benefit us,” Martinez said. “And it kind of sucks because I got duped and I feel like a dummy.”
“I went right for a while, but I’m back to the middle,” Martinez added.
How it came about
Latino voters in Arizona had previously been highlighted in Felo News coverage of the 2024 election cycle, noting their pivotal role in swing states. Earlier this month, Felo reported on Latino voters in Pennsylvania’s 7th district, where economic concerns were also driving support for Trump (see Latino voters in Pennsylvania swing district cite economy as key to Trump support). The current disillusionment mirrors those earlier economic anxieties, suggesting a broader trend among Latino constituencies across the Southwest.
Key facts
- Chris Martinez, a 28‑year‑old maintenance technician from Casa Grande, Arizona, voted for Trump expecting a strong economy and no wars. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Martinez says high gas prices forced him to return a vehicle and switch to discount grocery shopping. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- He reports that the United States has been involved in months‑long conflict with Iran. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Latino voters helped return Trump to the White House in 2024, and their support is now seen as crucial for the November 3, 2026 elections in key states. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Timeline
- 2024-11-05 — Donald Trump re‑elected president with support from Latino voters in key swing states.
- 2026-10-09 — President Trump offers Katie Zacharia the White House press secretary post.
- 2026-10-12 — Felo reports on Latino voters in Pennsylvania citing the economy as a driver of Trump support.
What we don't know yet
- Exact poll numbers on Latino voter sentiment in Arizona.
- Specific statements from Democratic or Republican campaign officials about the shifting Latino vote.
