The Latino Vote

As tanks roll into D.C. and protesters flood the streets of LA, Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid break down the chaos—and the calculated cruelty driving it. Together, they dissect the fear gripping immigrant communities, the optics of waving Mexican flags vs. American ones, and how left-wing agitators are playing right into Trump’s hands. With brutal honesty and a few wrestling metaphors (shoutout to F...

In this episode of the Latino Vote Podcast , Mike Madrid is back and is here to tackle the hard truth: the Latino voter shift isn’t about turnout—it’s about policy. While Democrats scramble to reconnect with a base that’s drifting right, Chuck and Mike break down the real reasons why working-class Latino voters are leaving the party. Spoiler: it’s not because Democrats didn’t show up to enough qui...

Download the Catalist 'What Happened in 2024' Report: https://catalist.us/whathappened2024/ - Chuck Rocha is joined by guest co-host Maria Cardona and Catalist CEO Michael Frias to unpack the hard truths and hidden opportunities in the Democratic Party’s relationship with Latino voters. With Mike Madrid off for the week, Chuck, Maria, and Michael dig deep into the latest Catalist's...

If you haven't yet, check out The Jim Acosta Show on Substack: https://jimacosta.substack.com/ - "You have to be fearless, if you want to go into covering politics.  This is not a line of work where you're going to get liked." Renown Journalist, Jim Acosta, joins The Latino Vote Podcast for a raw, unfiltered conversation with Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid about the urgent need fo...

"Habemus Papam. We have a new pope!" Chuck Rocha and resident Catholic expert Mike Madrid unpack the whirlwind election of our first American Pope—Pope Leo XIV—and explore what his ascendancy means for Latino culture, faith, and politics. From the storied rituals of white and black smoke in the Sistine Chapel to the surprising influence of betting markets on a secretive conclave, Mike sh...

Chuck Rocha welcomes CBS News' political journalist Fin Gómez to unpack latest polls revealing Latinos dissatisfaction with Donald Trump's policies after 100-days in office. They break down the fear, anger, and disappointment felt by many due to rising inflation and unkept promises. Chuck and Fin also celebrate Latino excellence in journalism, reflecting on the 3rd annual Brown and Bougi...

Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid welcome Congressman Gabe Vasquez (D-New Mexico CD02) for a wide-ranging conversation about family, fishing, and forging political wins in a red-leaning, majority-Latino district. From adobe bricks to capitol halls, Rep. Vasquez shares the unlikely story of his rise from a Mexican-American farm family and part-time vacuum cleaner salesman to city councilor and the strate...

This week, Chuck Rocha joins Mike Madrid from sunny Palm Springs to tackle the biggest stories shaking American politics—and the Latino community—in real time. From the recent visit of El Salvador's president to the White House and the implications of unhinged deportations to the Trump administration’s move to label international gangs as terrorist organizations, and what that means for due p...

Chuck Rocha is back from his hiatus, and oh boy - did he bring someone special for this episode of the Latino Vote Podcast ! Senator Ruben Gallego joins Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid to break down what it really takes to win hearts and minds in a competitive political landscape. Gallego offers a candid, hilarious, and deeply insightful conversation about his groundbreaking Senate campaign in Arizona...

In Part 2 of our discussion with former President of the California State Senate Kevin de León,  we take a hard look at what’s ailing national Democrats and why the party must reconnect with its working-class roots. Furthermore, Kevin breaks his silence on the infamous Nury Martinez recording that shook Los Angeles politics and reflects on the lessons learned from his career in politics. Join us f...

Welcome to the premiere episode of Latino Vote Voices! For our first episode, Mike Madrid sits down with California political trailblazer Kevin de León — the first Latino to lead the State Senate. Kevin recollects how his humble beginnings, personal struggles, grassroots organizing, and groundbreaking work on climate change and spearheading the Sanctuary State legislation has redefined Latino lead...

"Right now, there are more Republicans in California than there were during the Schwarzenegger administration." That's just one of many eye-opening observations provided by our esteemed guest, former chairwoman of the California Republican Party and the first Latina to hold the role, Jessica Millan Patterson. Patterson reflects on her six-year tenure, during which she spearheaded vo...

Rev up your engines and buckle up for a wild ride with Chuck and Mike on this episode of the Latino Vote Podcast!  Our dynamic hosts have planned quite a road trip—a not-so-scenic look at a Tesla dealership near the White House with heavy traffic coming from the crashing stock market and the tariff trade war. They make a pit stop to observe the continuing resolution to stop a potential government...

You won't need your paddles for this episode! Chuck and Mike meet up in Washington, D.C., to deliver a no-holds-barred breakdown of Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress. Together, they peel back the layers of a spectacle of this campaign rally in disguise. From dissecting Trump’s repeated attacks and evasions on key issues like immigration and the economy, to questioning whether Democrats...

Chuck and Mike take a hard look at the latest polling data for Donald Trump. With his initial presidential honeymoon fading, the hosts break down whether the dip in numbers represents a genuine decline or simply a normalization of his enduring base support. They break down what the data says, how Latino voters are reacting to the early months of the new administration, and whether Republican gains...

Read Gustavo's latest column: 'Republican Latinos are rising in California. Now there’s a caucus for them' (https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-02-20/republican-latinos-on-the-rise-legislative-caucus) - California are you OK? You're looking kind of... red... lately. Uh oh! Chuck and Mike sit down with renowned columnist for the LA Times Gustavo Arellano to unpack the...

The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow. This episode is all about the youth vote and it's impact in future elections! Chuck and Mike sit down with Christina Tzintzún Ramirez, Executive Director of Next Gen America, to dive deep into the transformative power of young Latino voters. Drawing on groundbreaking data from battleground states like Texas, Arizona, and Nevada, the conversation...

Chuck and Mike welcome our first guest of Season 2025, Dr. Derek Wakefield, a political academic whose groundbreaking research challenges conventional wisdom on Latino voting behavior. They break down how Latino voters—especially independents—prioritize economic issues over the traditional racial or immigration-based appeals. Dr. Derek findings reveal why Republican messaging made inroads with Lat...

Articles referenced in this episode: CNN -  See the process deported migrants go through after landing in Guatemala  (https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/27/world/video/deported-migrants-guatemala-arrival-digvid) Newsweek -  Donald Trump Pardon Recipients Are Being Charged With New Crimes  (https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-pardon-recipients-are-being-charged-new-crimes-2022980) Politico -  Trump free...

Poor Chuck. Going from hanging out with blue-footed boobies in the Galapagos, to watching Trump, back in America, demand an apology from a church Bishop for being asked to 'show mercy.' In this opening episode of the 2025 season of The Latino Vote , hosts Mike Madrid and Chuck Rocha examine how Donald Trump’s divisive tactics, including aggressive immigration policies and attempts to exp...

We would like to thank you, all of our listeners - from the political nerds to the casual podcast supporter - for joining us on our deep dives into the Latino influence in politics. And a huge shout out to our guests on the show, and to those of you who engaged with us every episode.  In this special year-end finale, Chuck and Mike unveil the first inaugural LaVo Awards, recognizing the best and w...

Calling on all you political nerds!! 🚨 Next week, on the final episode of the Latino Vote Podcast this year , Chuck Rocha & Mike Madrid will hold a contest for the ' Best & Worst Moments in Politics of 2024 . '🏆   But we need your help: 👉 What are *your* picks for the best and worst moments of the year?   👉 Got ideas for what to name our annual awards?   Rules:   ❌ No Donald...

Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid dive into holiday misadventures, including a highway patrol ticket and Thanksgiving reflections from California to the Dominican Republic. Chuck reflects on his consideration (and ultimate decision not to) run for the DNC chair, sharing insights on the challenges and responsibilities of leadership in politics.  Chuck will continue to be a driving force for democrats as...

Chuck explores the fascinating transformation of Allentown, Pennsylvania, with its dynamic mayor, Matt Tuerk. Once a steel town, Allentown has evolved into a vibrant, Latino-majority city at the crossroads of change. Mayor Tuerk, the city's first Latino mayor, shares his journey from East Stroudsburg to Allentown's leadership, discussing his Cuban roots, the city's growing diversity...

Chuck Rocha returns from his mission in Mexico with tales of tagging marlin, eating like kings, and exploring the intersection of Mexican-redneck fun and Democratic values. Along with Mike Madrid, the two of them take a hard look on the future of Democratic Party's leadership, as Chuck considers a run for DNC Chair. He discusses his vision to return the party to its roots, focusing on workers...