Podcast
The Latino Vote
Hosted by The Latino Vote · EN
The Latino Vote Podcast brings together the most sophisticated Latino voices in the country to provide you with insightful, accurate, unbiased, and timely information relating to the voting patterns and inclinations of the Nation’s Hispanics. Mike Madrid, a brilliant GOP strategist who has worked for several U.S. presidents, and who is also the founder of the 2020 “game-changing” Lincoln Project, and Chuck Rocha, the senior strategist of the Bernie Sanders Campaign and the most impactful political consultant in the country in the last quarter century, face off with host, Jason Villalba, a three-term former member of the Texas Legislature and now the respected Chairman of the Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation. Together, they bring you a ringside seat to a “no-holds barred” discussion of, The Latino Vote.
36episodes
Episodes
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The 2026 Latino Vote Battlefield
Feb 2400:49:20Tap to summarizeChuck is back from Oaxaca — and he brought receipts. This week, Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid reunite to break down the elections and dynamics that will shape the Latino political landscape heading into the 2026 midterms. They open with tributes to Jesse Jackson and Chuck's former union president John Nash, reflecting on the multiracial coalitions that have always driven real change in America. Mike drops a history lesson on the 80th anniversary of Mendez v. Westminster, the landmark school desegregation case that predated Brown v. Board of Education by eight years.Then it's all strategy: the guys dig into the Texas special elections — including the Jasmine Crockett vs. James Talarico Senate race and the fascinating three-way dynamics of the Julie Johnson vs. Colin Allred primary — before pivoting to a district-by-district breakdown of key 2026 House battlegrounds across California, Colorado, and Arizona. Mike explains the "30% magic number" — the historical threshold at which Latino population share has flipped California seats from red to blue — and asks whether that rule still holds in today's rapidly shifting electorate.If you want to understand where the 2026 midterms will really be decided, this is your battlefield briefing.The numbers. The districts. The strategy. The Latino vote isn’t an afterthought anymore. It’s the front line.-Recorded February 18, 2026Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFind us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
Transcribe →Bad Bunny, Broken Systems, and the Latino Vote That's Rejecting Both Parties
Feb 1300:43:12Tap to summarizeMike Madrid flies solo to unpack the future of Latino politics — and why 2026 could mark the beginning of an entirely new chapter.From Bad Bunny’s Spanish-language Super Bowl moment to the political aftershocks of Trump 2.0, Mike breaks down what he calls a Latino inflection point: a generational shift away from blind party loyalty and toward accountability.Why are Latino voters swinging harder than any other group in America?Why are both Democrats and Republicans failing to deliver real results?And why is representation no longer enough?Mike challenges Latino elected officials across the country to stop patching up broken systems in education, housing, and economic opportunity, and instead have the courage to rebuild them entirely. His point: Latino voters may be the last true swing vote in America — not because they lack ideology, but because they’re demanding results.Are Latino voters redefining American democracy — or exposing its failures?Tune in for one of the most candid and consequential conversations of the season.-Recorded February 11, 2026.-Referenced in the episode:PPIC - 'Remedial Courses in Community Colleges are a Major Hurdle to Success': https://www.ppic.org/press-release/remedial-courses-in-community-colleges-are-major-hurdle-to-success/PPIC - 'Remedial Education in California’s Colleges and Universities': https://www.ppic.org/publication/remedial-education-in-californias-colleges-and-universities/Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFind us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
Transcribe →Housing, Healthcare, and Hope: Texas Democrats Win Big & Can Bad Bunny Unite America
Feb 700:45:03Tap to summarizeLatino voters just delivered one of the biggest political shocks of the 2026 cycle — a 50+ point swing in Latino precincts in a deep-red Texas Senate district. The message is clear: Latinos are no longer loyal to either party, and they’re demanding results.Mike and Chuck dig into what’s really driving Latino voters in 2026: an aspirational, working-class agenda centered on housing, health care, and hope. They unpack why immigration enforcement, economic pain, and cultural backlash are reshaping the electorate, why Republicans are panicking, and why Democrats can’t afford to blow this second chance.The guys also preview Bad Bunny's upcoming Superbowl performance, its significant cultural reference, and the opposing alternative halftime show being pushed by MAGA Trumpers. Send us pictures of your Superbowl Halftime experience!-Recorded February 4, 2026.-Referenced in the episode:Votehub - 2026 Texas Senate District 9 Special Election Interactive Map: https://votehub.com/2026_txsd9_specialABC 7 | WJLA - 'Snowcrete' piles persist as DC leaders push cleanup efforts forward: https://wjla.com/news/local/snowcrete-piles-dc-leaders-push-cleanup-efforts-forward-winter-snow-storm-icicy-roads-streets-public-schools-open-mayor-bowser-residents-safety-community-removal-shovel-fines-senior-housing-sidewalks-streets-dmvThe Guardian - Donald Trump announces plans for Indycar race through Washington DC streets: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jan/30/trump-indycar-grand-prix-washington-dcThe New York Times - Bad Bunny’s All-American, All-Spanish, All-Eyes-on-Him Super Bowl: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/06/arts/music/bad-bunny-super-bowl-halftime-show.htmlKTLA5 - Kid Rock lyrics about underage girls draw questions ahead of ‘faith and family’-based TPUSA show: https://ktla.com/entertainment/kid-rock-lyrics-about-underage-girls-draw-questions-ahead-of-faith-and-family-based-tpusa-showCheck out the rest of the references and recent news on the latino vote on our website: https://latinos.vote/-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFind us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
Transcribe →From Greenland to Groceries: Trump's First Year Back & The Cost of Chaos
Feb 300:37:17Tap to summarizeCan we really do 3 more years of this?Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid mark the one-year anniversary of Trump's second term by dissecting the chaos of his first year back in office. From the Davos speech signaling the end of American global dominance to Trump's bizarre threats against Greenland, Chuck and Mike break down how the president has squandered political capital on foreign distractions instead of addressing what voters actually care about: gas and groceries.Our hosts tackle Trump's immigration overreach, the symbolic terror of his deportation tactics, and how Democrats like Katie Porter and Abigail Spanberger are focusing on real kitchen-table issues like utility costs and childcare. Chuck shares insights from his work on James Talarico's Texas Senate race, including their strategic first ad buy during a Mexico vs. Panama soccer match, while Mike explains why this race could define Latino political identity for years to come.Plus: Chuck announces an upcoming town hall with Senator Ruben Gallego, and previews his Valentine's weekend trip to Oaxaca. Unfiltered, unadulterated, and always speaking truth to power. Enjoy this episode of the Latino Vote Podcast.-Recorded January 21, 2026-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFind us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
Transcribe →The Situation: Gorillas, God, And the Last Swing Vote Left in America
Jan 2500:50:23Tap to summarizeChuck Rocha returns from his gorilla-tracking adventure in Rwanda (complete with wild stories and a new honorary tribal chief title) to dive deep with Mike Madrid into why Latino voters are uniquely positioned to reshape American politics.In this episode, Mike breaks down the stunning data showing that while other voters remain locked in partisan camps with only 2-3% swings, working-class Latinos are swinging 11-15% between elections—making them the only true swing voting bloc left in America. From kicking out Republicans across the country in 2025 to determining crucial Texas House races in March of this year, Mike and Chuck explore why Latino voters' willingness to hold politicians accountable regardless of party might be the most rational response in an otherwise polarized system.Plus: reflections on faith and politics in Latino communities, the inside story of the Jasmine Crockett-Colin Allred Senate race dynamics, and why this generational transformation will define American politics through 2050. And yes, Chuck shares what it's really like to sit face-to-face with silverback gorillas (spoiler: there's no glass between you).-Recorded: January 14, 2026-Referenced in the episode:Check out Senator Ruben Gallego's 'Path Home' housing affordability plan video: https://x.com/SenRubenGallego/status/2011451211225166201'Can James Talarico Reclaim Christianity for the Left?' form the Ezra Klein podcast: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/13/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-james-talarico.html-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFind us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
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The Latino Vote Voices: From Foster Care to the White House - Mickey Ibarra's Stories of Latino Leadership
Jan 2100:46:16Tap to summarizeMeet Mickey Ibarra - a name that defined Latino excellence in Washington D.C. for decades.On this episode of the Latino Vote Voices: Mike Madrid sits down with the former Assistant to President Clinton who went from Utah foster care to the West Wing, and is now preserving Latino stories for future generations.Mickey opens up about his father's path from bracero worker in Oaxaca to successful small business owner in Sacramento, and how reconnecting with his Mexican heritage at age 15 transformed his life during the height of the Chicano movement in 1966. He recounts witnessing Robert F. Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey campaign in 1968, following his father's footsteps to serve in Germany during the Vietnam era, and ultimately finding his calling in public service.As founder of the Latino Leaders Network and author of the newly released "Latino Leaders Speak: Volume Two," Mickey discusses his mission to preserve and celebrate Latino success stories across all sectors of American society. He reflects on the parallels between the turbulent 1960s and today's political climate, offering wisdom on how young Latinos can navigate uncertainty and prepare for opportunities they can't yet imagine.-Recorded Jan 12, 2026.-Check out Mickey Ibarra's latest work: 'Latino Leaders Speak: Personal Stories of Struggle and Triumph, Volume II' -https://artepublicopress.com/product/latino-leaders-speak-personal-stories-of-struggle-and-triumph-volume-ii/Latino Leaders Network Website: https://www.latinoleadersnetwork.org/latino-leaders-speakBill Clinton's ad referenced in the episode: 'A Man From Hope' - https://mediaburn.org/videos/the-man-from-hope/-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast! Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcast Find us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcast Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_Vote Visit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.vote If you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
Transcribe →Documenting the Latino Story: A Conversation with Emmy-Nominated Filmmaker Bernardo Ruiz
Dec 1100:37:46Tap to summarize*Due to technical issues, the posting of this discussion was delayed. Unfortunately, Bernardo Ruiz's showcase of his films has already passed. We urge you to check out his work via his website. Our apologies for this error.Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Bernardo Ruiz joins Mike Madrid for an intimate conversation about two decades of capturing the Latino experience on film. From his PBS documentary 'VOCES: Latino Vote 2024' to his explorations of wine country labor and journalism under siege in Mexico, Bernardo has documented the contradictions at the heart of the American relationship with Latino communities.Bernardo discusses his journey from the son of a Mexican musician-turned-monk to becoming one of the most important Latino voices in documentary film. He shares insights from filming across eight states during the 2024 election, explains America's "love-hate relationship" with Latinos, and reveals why the same workers celebrated as "essential" during the pandemic are now being targeted at their worksites.Key Topics Discussed:Ruiz's unconventional path to filmmaking and what drives his workThe evolution from "building monuments to heroes" to taking creative risksAmerica's "love-hate relationship" with Latinos—from celebrating "essential workers" during the pandemic to today's mass deportationsWhy long-form documentary storytelling matters more than ever in the age of hot takes and algorithmsThe story Ruiz wishes he could have told: the deeper meaning of the 2019 El Paso Walmart shootingWhy the Mexican-American diaspora needs its own "chicharron circuit" for community buildingBeing optimistic yet wary about the future of Latino communities in AmericaBernardo Ruiz's films explore the complexity and diversity often missing from mainstream narratives about Latino Americans. His approach—observation first, conclusions later—allows him to capture the moral ambiguity and nuance that gets lost in our polarized media landscape.-Recorded November 17, 2025.🎙️ Featuring: Bernardo Ruiz - Three News & Documentary Emmy Nominee Filmmaker: (https://www.bernardoruiz.com)-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
Transcribe →Latino Pessimism at Record Highs: Dr. Mark Hugo Lopez Reveals Record-Breaking Shifts in Latino Sentiment
Dec 900:37:29Tap to summarizeMike Madrid sits down with one of the most respected voices in Latino research—Dr. Mark Hugo Lopez, Director of Race and Ethnicity at the Pew Research Center—to unpack a brand-new, blockbuster dataset on Latino attitudes on the second Trump administration and their situation in the country.Pew’s October survey of almost 5,000 Latino adults reveals something unprecedented: 65% of Latinos now say the situation for Latinos in the U.S. is worse than a year ago—the highest level of pessimism ever recorded in Pew’s history. Dr. Lopez explains how Latino sentiment has shifted dramatically between the 2024 and 2025 elections, with approval ratings, concerns about immigration enforcement, and feelings about economic policies all showing significant changes.Key topics include:Why one-third of Latinos have considered leaving the United States in the past six monthsHow worry about deportation has jumped from 37% to over 52% since FebruaryThe paradox of personal financial optimism amid broader pessimism about Latino progressWhat validated voter data reveals about Latino Trump voters and their evolving viewsThe decline in Latino immigration for the first time in 50 years and what it means for future generationsDr. Lopez brings decades of expertise tracking the political maturation of the Latino electorate through one of America's most profound demographic transformations. He provides essential context for understanding the dramatic electoral swings we've witnessed and what they signal about Latino political identity in an increasingly US-born, intermarried, and established community.-Recorded December 4, 2025.🎙️ Featuring: Dr. Mark Hugo Lopez - Director of Race and Ethnicity at the Pew Research Center: (https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/mark-hugo-lopez/)Check out Pew Research's report: 'Majorities of Latinos Disapprove of Trump and His Policies on Immigration, Economy': (https://www.pewresearch.org/race-and-ethnicity/2025/11/24/majorities-of-latinos-disapprove-of-trump-and-his-policies-on-immigration-economy/)-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
Transcribe →How New Jersey Flipped. Dr. Patricia Campos-Medina on Winning 68% of the Latino Vote
Dec 300:32:23Tap to summarizeChuck Rocha and Mike Madrid sit down with Dr. Patricia Campos-Medina — immigrant, labor leader, campaign strategist, and the highest-ranking Latina on Mikie Sherrill's 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial campaign.After New Jersey saw massive Democratic losses among Latino voters in 2024—with Trump gaining up to 24 points in some counties—Mikie Sherrill achieved a stunning turnaround, capturing 68% of the Latino vote.Dr. Campos-Medina pulls back the curtain on one of the largest Latino vote swings in America, explaining how New Jersey Democrats reversed years of GOP gains by rebuilding trust, investing early, and talking directly about the economic crisis Latinos are living every day.Key takeaways include:Why Latinos shifted to Trump in 2024 and what brought them backThe importance of having Latino operatives making decisions, not just translating messagesHow opening up consultant contracts transformed the ground gameThe difference between 30-day campaign investments and year-round community engagementWhy both parties competing for Latino votes strengthens the community's negotiating power-Recorded November 12, 2025.🎙️ Featuring: Dr. Patricia Campos-Medina - President of Latina Civic Action (https://latinacivicaction.com/)Check out her website: https://patriciacamposmedina.com/-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
Transcribe →From Platinum Records to Politics: Bobby Pulido Takes On TX-15
Nov 2100:44:05Tap to summarizeChuck and Mike sit down with music icon and Texas's 15th congressional district candidate Bobby Pulido for a raw, insightful discussion about culture, politics, and the future of South Texas. The platinum-selling Tejano music star breaks down why this heavily Latino district swung from 60% for Beto O'Rourke to 60% for Trump in just eight years, offering an unflinching look at what Democrats got wrong.Bobby introduces a game-changing perspective: "People down here don't consider themselves poor—they consider themselves broke. When you're broke, you say 'tomorrow I'm going to make it.' Democrats treated people like they're poor, not like they're broke." This distinction captures why aspirational Latino voters are shifting right.From his ranch hall campaign events (complete with barbecue and conjunto music) to challenging both parties on immigration, Bobby represents a new generation of Latino Democratic candidates willing to tell hard truths. He discusses the Republican dominance on social media, why border communities feel abandoned, and his plan to win back Trump voters without compromising Democratic values.-Support Bobby Pulido's campaign: bobbypulidofortexas.comCheck out Bobby Pulido's official congressional campaign launch video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_m8ChgwIpbA-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
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