The Latino Vote

The Latino Vote
  • 4.9 (112)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

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. 

  1. 23H AGO

    Latino Vote Texas | Substack Live Recording

    For those of you who missed it, we hosted a live recording on our Substack, Monday, March 2nd. We appreciate everyone who joined and offered their input! - Recording a day before the Texas 2026 Primary, Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid talk everything Texas. - Make sure to subscribe to our substack for in-depth articles on our episodes and to attend live recordings: https://thelatinovotepodcast.substack.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/@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!

    45 min

  2. 1D AGO

    Latinos Decide Texas. Again. Record Primary Turnout & the Talarico-Crockett Showdown

    Chuck and Mike meet up in Sacramento, where they just finished briefing the California Senate Democratic Caucus — and they've got a lot to say. Recorded on the night of Trump's State of the Union address, this episode covers all the big races and trends you need to watch heading into the Texas primary. The numbers out of Texas are unlike anything they've seen before: Democratic early vote is outnumbering Republicans by six figures in major counties, with 30-point swings compared to 2022. But what does it all mean? Chuck and Mike break down the historic Crockett vs. Talarico Senate race and explain why Latino voters — not Black or white voters — will be the ones deciding the outcome. They also dig into the Republican primary chaos between Cornyn and Paxton, the $100M+ already spent in what's become the most expensive Senate primary in American history, and why Bobby Polito might be the most important candidate you've never heard of. Plus: the California governor's race is more complicated than it looks, Trump's allies are sitting on a $450M war chest heading into the midterms, and young non-college-educated Latino men remain the one demographic that hasn't swung back left. Chuck and Mike tell you what to watch for on election night — and announce plans for the first-ever Latino Vote Summit in Washington, D.C. this summer. - Recorded February 24, 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/@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!

    1h 9m

  3. FEB 24

    The 2026 Latino Vote Battlefield

    Chuck 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, 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/@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!

    49 min

  4. FEB 13

    Bad Bunny, Broken Systems, and the Latino Vote That's Rejecting Both Parties

    Mike 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/@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!

    43 min

  5. FEB 7

    Housing, Healthcare, and Hope: Texas Democrats Win Big & Can Bad Bunny Unite America

    Latino 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/@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!

    45 min

  6. FEB 3

    From Greenland to Groceries: Trump's First Year Back & The Cost of Chaos

    Can 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/@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!

    37 min

  7. JAN 25

    The Situation: Gorillas, God, And the Last Swing Vote Left in America

    Chuck 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/@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!

    50 min
  8. The Latino Vote Voices: From Foster Care to the White House - Mickey Ibarra's Stories of Latino Leadership

    JAN 21

    The Latino Vote Voices: From Foster Care to the White House - Mickey Ibarra's Stories of Latino Leadership

    Meet 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-speak Bill 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!

    46 min
See All (128)

4.9
out of 5
112 Ratings

About

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. 

Information

  • Creator
    The Latino Vote
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    128
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Latino Vote
  • Show Website
    The Latino Vote

You Might Also Like