Introduction
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States, highlighting significant milestones in the evolution of the Hispanic minority. One notable development is that, according to the U.S. Census Bureau as of July 1, 2024, there are 68 million Hispanics, making them the largest minority group in the U.S., accounting for 20% of the total population.
Demographic Shift and Political Influence
While the quantitative growth of Hispanics is evident, this does not automatically translate into political influence. According to the U.S. Census in 2024, 61.4% of all Hispanics were U.S. citizens over the age of 18, eligible to vote. However, only 42.8% were registered to vote, and of those registered, only 35.2% actually cast their votes in the 2024 election. Therefore, to effectively harness Hispanic demographics for political influence, there is a need to increase voter registration and participation among eligible Hispanic citizens.
- Voter Registration and Turnout: The percentage of registered Hispanic voters remained relatively stable, at 61.1% in the 2020 election and 61.5% in the 2024 election, indicating a need for concerted efforts to boost voter turnout.
Milestone: First Hispanic Secretary of State
Another significant milestone for the Hispanic community this year was the appointment of the first Hispanic as Secretary of State. In January, the nomination of Marco Rubio, a Republican senator from Florida and a Cuban-American, was approved by the Senate with near-unanimous support (99-0).
About the Author
*International analyst and consultant, former director of the UN Economic Commission for Latin America (CEPAL) office in Washington. Economy and finance commentator for CNN en Español TV and radio, UNIVISION, TELEMUNDO, and other media outlets.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the significance of Hispanic Heritage Month? A: Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the contributions, culture, and achievements of Hispanic Americans, highlighting their growing influence in U.S. society.
- Q: How does the growing Hispanic population impact U.S. politics? A: The increasing Hispanic population presents both opportunities and challenges for U.S. politics, particularly in terms of voter registration and turnout.
- Q: What recent milestone has been achieved by the Hispanic community in the U.S.? A: The appointment of Marco Rubio as the first Hispanic Secretary of State is a significant milestone for the Hispanic community.
