Is the neglect of immigration reform going to push Texas to start leaning left? Just like Texas Democratic Gilberto Hinjosa claimed? . No
This goes against my theory that there will be a party realignment nationwide where the Democratic Party will be the dominant party, but not in Texas. One of the main reasons is because the Republican Party recently started dominating politics in Texas. Past cycles of party alignment indicate this is too soon even though Latino voters are growing in numbers in Texas and there is a large interest in immigration reform in the Latino community, but the problem is the interest doesn’t translate in actions, such as voting, holding political offices and being actively involved in politics. Some of this population of Latinos in Texas might not even be able to vote because they didn’t register, aren’t citizens or are undocumented. The Mexican Americans that have been in Texas for generations sometimes get accustomed to the Texas traditions and align themselves conservative viewpoints.
We all witnessed the rising of a young upcoming Democratic politician from Texas, Julian Castro, in the Democratic National Convention. He may possibly run for governor in the next Texas gubernatorial election. Does he stand a chance in winning this? No, New York State has more of a chance becoming a red state then Julian Castro becoming the Governor of Texas. I think Julian Castro can have a large positive impact in the Democratic Party, but will be limited in Texas. The Republican Party will have a stronghold on Texas for years to come regardless of the population growth of minorities in this state.
2 comments:
I would like to state right off the bat, that I agree with you. I don't think that Texas will shift democratic any time soon. That being said, I think that you made some valid assertions in your post, but you lack any sort of evidence to back up said assertions. For example, the first assertion you make is that Texas wont swing democratic because it goes against your theory. But you don't elaborate on your theory, or state what evidence or reasoning you have to back up your theory.
You do bring up a valid point, however, with what you said about Latino voters. A lot of people have estimated that they are going to be a force to reckon with democratically due to their increasing numbers, and they will be the demographic that swings the state. And while I agree that the lack of voter participation gets in the way of democracy in the United States, I don't think that it is localized to any particular demographic in particular. While Latinos do have the lowest voter percentage of any major ethnicity, all groups could stand to do better there.
However; I do agree with you that Latino voters are probably not going to stay Democratic once they become established. When the Republicans realize the value of the Latino vote, and they realign their platform to be more supportive of immigration and naturalization, the two groups will have a lot in common with each other. Both are generally pro-Christianity and pro-life. Both groups also share a certain male dominated, machismo culture with high value placed on land ownership and the right to do as you please on it. That is a significant portion of overlap, and I think it will eventually draw the groups together.
The last part of your post about Julian Castro is a bit premature, in my opinion. Castro is a young guy and a rising star. Yes he is obviously Hispanic but to say he has no chance at ever becoming governor is a bold statement. It is also a statement lacking any sort of supporting evidence. In fact, I think that Castro's reelection may actually help support your opposition. Castro is the fifth Latino mayor of San Antonio. Most of these Latino mayors have been elected recently, showing a distinct trend with San Antonio voters, and their increasing willingness to vote Democrats into office. To me, this is no surprise with the population of San Antonio at over 63% Hispanic. However, with Latino voters in San Antonio demonstrably swinging the vote to elect Democratic officials, this is factual evidence that directly conflicts with your assertion.
In “WIll the Democratic Party become dominant again in Texas?” the writer Gustavo Rubio proposes the argument that despite the increase of minorities in Texas and the desire for immigration reform Texas will never be a Democrat state even thought they support these ideas. He presents his argument in an organize way with him initially stating his argument “Is the neglect of immigration reform going to push Texas to start leaning left? Just like Texas Democratic Gilberto Hinjosa claimed? . No” and the stating evidence “Some of this population of Latinos in Texas might not even be able to vote because they didn’t register, aren’t citizens or are undocumented”. Additionally he follows it up with “Mexican Americans that have been in Texas for generations sometimes get accustomed to the Texas traditions and align themselves conservative viewpoints”. I completely agree with his statement on a personal level because that’s what happened to me I couldn’t register on time therefore I couldn’t vote I felt disappointed because every ones vote counts and makes a difference. There are many people who wish they could vote or had the rights I do but I didn’t take advantage of them it could of made a difference. Minorities in my opinion could be a significant part of Texas politics if they put effort into it but the fact that they don’t there not letting their voices be heard so until they get involved Texas will stay Republican. Furthermore I highly agree with Rubio’s argument that Texas will remain a republican state until minorities finally step up.
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