The demographic shift that has been underway in Texas for years continues at a rapid pace. According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau figures, Hispanics remain by far the fastest growing population group in Texas--adding more than 2 million residents statewide since 2010. In fact, Hispanics have outpaced the combined growth rate of white, Black and Asian residents in the state every year in the last decade.
With the new numbers, the Texas Hispanic population is now less than a half-million behind the state's white population, with Hispanics projected to become the state's top demographic group by 2021. That portends a possible major political shift in a state dominated by Republicans for nearly three decades. If the GOP wants to continue its grip on state government, it will need to heed longstanding advice to further outreach to Hispanic voters.
One of those Hispanic voters is Maria Espinoza, Co-Founder and National Director of The Remembrance Project. She tells KTRH Hispanics are not monolithic and can be won over. "The way Republicans can bring more Hispanics into their party is basically by standing by their morals and principles," says Espinoza.
In particular, Espinoza notes that her Christian faith is a major factor in driving her vote. "I believe many Hispanics are of the same (Christian) religion and mindset, so that is a very important element for the Republican party to bring out."
Another factor is the Democratic Party has shifted very far to the left in recent years, which may not play in Texas like it does in other states. "(The Democrats) now are anti-American Dream, they're anti-Christian, anti-freedom of religion, anti-freedom of speech," says Espinoza. "Each slice of government cheese they hand out is an additional link to the chains of socialism, and that's something Republicans can highlight and tell the truth about to the Hispanic community."