APOPKA, Fla. (AP) — After years of running few Latinos for statewide posts, Democrats are building a bench that better reflects the support they have in the Hispanic community.
Polls show more than twice as many Hispanics identify as Democrats than Republicans nationally. Democrats have long run minority candidates in minority districts, but not in heavily white districts or statewide.
This year, Democrats are running competitive candidates in key states that not only have large Hispanic electorates but also enough electoral votes to swing presidential elections. The shift is crucial for a party that often fails to get its Hispanic supporters to the polls.
Among the competitive candidates are three Democratic lieutenant contenders: Florida's Colombian-born businesswoman Annette Taddeo; Texas State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte; and Nevada State Rep. Lucy Flores.
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