California Latino facts
California Latino Demographics 2025
Population
- 15.7 million Latinos in California (approx. 39% + of the state population)
- The largest ethnic group in the state
- Younger median age: 29 years (vs. 37 for non-Latinos)
Geographic Concentration
- High-density Latino communities in:
- Los Angeles County
- Central Valley (Fresno, Tulare, Kern)
- Inland Empire (San Bernardino, Riverside)
- Imperial County
- Northern California (San Jose, Santa Clara, and parts of the Bay Area)
National Standing
- California has the largest Latino population of any state in the U.S.
Latino Voters in California
Voter Population
- Over 6.9 million registered Latino voters (as of 2024)
- Roughly 30–32% of California’s electorate
- Latinos make up the fastest-growing voting bloc.
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Voting Patterns
- Historically vote Democratic (65-70%)
- High concern for issues like:
- Education Equity
- Economic opportunity
- Healthcare access
- Climate and Environmental Justice
- Immigration reform
- Youth turnout (18–35) has been steadily increasing, but still underperforms compared to older Latino voters.
Barriers
- Misinformation/disinformation campaigns
- Underinvestment in Latino voter outreach by traditional parties
- Voter suppression tactics (especially out of state, but monitored here)
- Language access
Latino Representation in California
Elected Officials (2025)
- 14 out of 52 U.S. House Representatives from CA are Latino/a
- 24 Latino State Assemblymembers and 11 Latino State Senators
- Historic figures:
- Alex Padilla (First Latino U.S. Senator from CA)
- Robert Rivas (Speaker of the Assembly)
- Mark Gonzalez, Maria Elena Durazo, Lena Gonzalez, and Susan Rubio are among the prominent Latino legislators.
Gaps
- Underrepresented in executive offices, boards, commissions, the judiciary, and county-level elected positions
- Often last hired, first fired in state appointments, and workforce inclusion.
Opportunities for Growth
Latino youth
- Over 50% of public-school students in California are Latino.
- Investing in civic education and engagement now is critical.
Latino-owned businesses
- Over 800,000 Latino-owned businesses in California
- One of the fastest-growing entrepreneurial groups
- Face persistent barriers to capital and public contracts.
Housing & Healthcare
- Latinos are disproportionately impacted by housing instability, environmental racism, and healthcare inequities.
The WHY?
1. “Why We Matter”
Latinos are not just the fastest-growing demographic in the United States—they are a rising force in the future of American democracy. With over 34 million eligible voters, Latinos now make up a decisive share of the electorate in key battleground states and across the country.
Why does this matter to Democrats?
Because Latinos overwhelmingly share values rooted in family, opportunity, fairness, and dignity—principles that align with Democratic policies on healthcare, education, workers’ rights, immigration, and civil rights. Latinos have played a significant role in shaping victories in elections, from local school boards to the presidency. In places like Nevada, Arizona, California, and Pennsylvania, Latino voters are the margin of difference. When engaged and respected, Latinos turn out—and when they turn out, Democrats win.
Bottom line:
Latinos matter because they represent the future electorate, the moral conscience on issues of equality, and the voting power to influence election outcomes. Ignoring this bloc is not just a political misstep—it’s a failure to recognize the heartbeat of modern America.
2. “Voter Power”
Latino voter power is not a trend; it’s a permanent, growing force that will shape the future of American politics for generations to come. With over 34 million eligible voters, Latinos are now the second-largest voting bloc in the nation. Their impact is felt in every major election, from city council races to the presidency.
Latinos are decisive in key battleground states like Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, and our home California where just a small shift in turnout can determine the outcome. But beyond the numbers, Latino voter power is paramount because it represents the future of America’s workforce, families, and cultural identity.
Issues that matter to Latino voters, such as healthcare, education, jobs, immigration, and civil rights, are shaping the national agenda. When Latinos vote, they vote not just for themselves, but for a better future for all working families.
Simply put: Latino voter power is America’s power. Any campaign or party that overlooks this is planning for the past, not the future.
3. “Our Voice in Sacramento”
Our Latino voice matters in Sacramento because we are the heart of California’s workforce, economy, and cultural identity; yet, too often, decisions are made without us at the table. With Latinos making up nearly 40% of California’s population, our voice isn’t just important; it’s essential to shaping policies that reflect the real needs of our families and our communities.
Whether it’s education, healthcare, housing, labor rights, or environmental justice, the issues debated in Sacramento directly impact Latino families every day. When our voices are strong in the Capitol, we ensure that budgets, laws, and policies reflect the dignity, priorities, and contributions of our people.
Simply put: When Latinos speak up, Sacramento, California, listens. When we stay silent, others decide our future for us.
Our presence, our vote, and our voice are how we protect what matters today — and how we build the future we deserve.
4. “Building Latino Power”
Latinos are the largest ethnic group in California, making up nearly 40% of the population and a significant share of the state’s workforce, students, and future leaders. Yet, Latino voter turnout has not always matched our population size, and that gap leaves our families, our communities, and our priorities vulnerable to being overlooked.
Building Latino voter power is about more than just winning elections; it’s about ensuring that our voices shape the policies that affect our daily lives: education, healthcare, housing, jobs, climate justice, and immigrant rights. When Latinos vote, we bring the lived experiences of millions to the decision-making table.
California sets the tone for the nation. If Latinos harness our full voter power here, we don’t just influence Sacramento — we help shape the future of the entire country. Our power protects our communities, advances our values, and secures a stronger, more inclusive California for generations to come.
5. “Policy Priorities”
- Immigration justice
- Closing the pay gap
- Education, equity, and bilingual learning
- Economic opportunity (public contracts, workforce access)
- Home ownership
- Healthcare for all
- Climate justice in Latino communities
