Republican Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar did not hold back in her criticism following Tuesday's local elections in the United States, where the Republican Party faced significant setbacks in crucial states such as New York, Virginia, and New Jersey.
In a statement that quickly gained traction on social media, Salazar voiced her concern and frustration over what she sees as a dangerous erosion of Hispanic voter support.
"I've been saying it for months. The Hispanics who propelled Trump's victory are leaving... and we're letting it happen," declared the Cuban-American congresswoman, criticizing the current administration's deportations of Hispanic workers without criminal records.
She further warned, "Last night, in New Jersey and Virginia, the Hispanic vote shifted more than 25 points to the LEFT."
"Those states can only be won if Hispanics stay with the Republican Party. Republicans: wake up. Faith. Family. Freedom. DIGNITY," she concluded.
These remarks serve as both a wake-up call to her party and an acknowledgment of the growing disillusionment that is beginning to fracture the bond between the Republican Party and a community that was once an emerging stronghold.
Reactions: Outrage, Skepticism, and Ultimatums
Salazar's statement sparked thousands of responses, mostly oscillating between outrage and disappointment. The predominant message: the Republican Party has lost Hispanic support because it has ceased to defend them.
One citizen summarized it clearly: “You know how many of their voters are suffering today because they have a family member detained... Support those families, and you’re likely to be reelected.”
Many pointed out the dissonance between traditional Republican values and the current reality of their immigration policies. “We've been treated as if we're not human beings. It hurts to see our people thrown to the ground. Our people are not criminals,” another user commented.
The persistent image of family separation, indiscriminate raids, and detention of individuals with pending legal processes was a common theme in the feedback.
The Hispanic Vote as a Protest Vote
The recent local elections highlighted a phenomenon some analysts had anticipated: the Hispanic vote has begun to act as a protest vote. Comments such as:
“Hispanics have undocumented families suffering due to persecution... Republicans will continue to lose votes.”
...reflect a widespread sentiment. Voting is no longer based solely on ideological alignment but as a response to the treatment received. Many expressed not just a distancing from the Republican Party but also a rejection of figures like Donald Trump and those, like Salazar, who have supported him:
“When you support Trump, you lose your dignity.”
Unfulfilled Promises and the Call for Dignity
A recurring theme in the responses is the call for tangible legislative action. Many of Salazar's followers reminded her of her promise to push for the “Dignity Plan,” seen by many as the last hope for reconciliation between Republicans and the immigrant community.
Others were more critical, hinting at a sense of betrayal: “They promised immigration solutions, and instead have treated people like animals. There’s the result.”
The Potential End of MAGA's Influence Among Hispanics?
The reactions also revealed a deeper issue: the waning appeal of far-right narratives among Latinos. The use of faith, anti-communism, and law-and-order rhetoric as tools of manipulation was denounced.
One phrase echoed as both a mantra and warning: “Without Latino support, they are nothing.”
In this context, defeats in traditionally Democratic states were seen not as a surprise but as a warning. As one user stated:
“If they thought they could mistreat our people and we’d keep voting for them, they were very wrong.”
Trump Acknowledges GOP Defeat in Local Elections and Assigns Blame
In a crucial election day that served as a barometer for the U.S. political landscape, Donald Trump publicly acknowledged the Republican Party's defeat in several state and local elections across six states on Tuesday.
However, far from taking direct responsibility, the former president pointed to external factors and strategic absences as reasons for the Republican setbacks.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump reacted with a mix of resignation and reproach.
“TRUMP WAS NOT ON THE BALLOT AND THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN WERE THE TWO REASONS REPUBLICANS LOST THE ELECTIONS TONIGHT, ACCORDING TO ELECTION ANALYSTS,” he wrote in his signature all-caps style for emphasis.
The comment reflects his usual strategy of deflecting responsibility towards external causes, in this case, his absence from the ballots and the prolonged federal government shutdown, which created uncertainty and tension among the electorate.
Impact of Hispanic Voter Shift on U.S. Elections
Why did Maria Elvira Salazar criticize the Republican Party?
Maria Elvira Salazar criticized the Republican Party for losing Hispanic voter support, which she attributes to the party's failure to defend Hispanic interests and its immigration policies.
What is the "Dignity Plan" mentioned by Salazar?
The "Dignity Plan" is a legislative proposal pushed by Maria Elvira Salazar aimed at providing a pathway to regularization for undocumented immigrants, which she sees as vital for reconnecting with the Hispanic community.
How did Trump react to the Republican Party's losses?
Donald Trump acknowledged the Republican losses but attributed them to his absence from the ballots and the government shutdown, rather than taking direct responsibility.