Brief
Latino voters in Pennsylvania swing district cite economy as key to Trump support
Radio host Victor Martinez says economic hardship fuels Latino backing for Trump ahead of the 2026 midterms.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Victor Martinez, host of a Spanish‑language morning show in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, said Latino listeners are increasingly frustrated by higher fuel and grocery prices and that the economy is the decisive issue for Trump’s support in the state’s 7th Congressional District, Fortune reported.
What happened
Martinez, who has run his Allentown studio for nearly a decade, fielded calls from listeners who complained about inflation, high diesel costs and the $5,000 payout promise tied to a Republican congressional majority. He noted that the district’s Latino population has grown from about 20% to roughly 25% over the same period.
What the reports add
Fortune highlighted that Martinez’s show added an hour of politics after Trump’s first term, attracting calls about the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, concerns over President Biden’s age, and now, “the economy, stupid,” as the prevailing sentiment. The outlet also described the political landscape: freshman Republican Ryan Mackenzie faces Democratic challenger Bob Brooks, a retired firefighter, in a closely watched race. Both campaigns have launched Latino outreach, with Brooks visiting a Mexican restaurant and a barber shop, and Mackenzie opening a district office staffed by Spanish‑speaking employees.
What was said
“It’s the economy, stupid. That’s what it is. I mean, things have gotten so bad,” Martinez told Fortune. He added, “People didn’t think Biden did a good job. Everything was expensive and now it’s worse.” Martinez also recounted a caller who said he would not vote because of the frustration.
How it came about
Martinez’s shift to political commentary coincided with Trump’s second term, and his audience’s concerns mirror broader polling cited by Felo News earlier this month, which showed only 17% of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s handling of the cost of living and that a quarter of 2024 Trump voters think the GOP should distance itself from the president to win the 2026 midterms. The growing Latino share of the electorate in the 7th district has made the community a pivotal factor in recent elections.
Key facts
- Latinos now comprise about a quarter of Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District population. (fortune.com)
- Victor Martinez says the economy is the primary concern for Latino listeners, citing higher fuel and grocery prices. (fortune.com)
- Republican incumbent Ryan Mackenzie and Democrat Bob Brooks are both courting Latino voters in the district. (fortune.com)
Sources
- [1] fortune.com — originally reported as “‘This is not what we expected’: Latino voters were key to Trump’s win in a swing Pennsylvania district. Now some say the economy is 'worse'”
