A survey by the PAT Brown Institute for Public Affairs and the California Community Foundation of 1,500 Latino residents in Los Angeles County found that the COVID-19 pandemic, homelessness and the economy are their major concerns. In this context, the survey provides an important overview of Latino demography, voters, and non-Latinos, that are often misunderstood as the race for mayor picks up speed.

Latinos make up about a third of registered voters in the county and city of Los Angeles, and the survey showed that the quality of life for this population has deteriorated over the past two years, calling for more urgent government intervention.

Nearly half of respondents said they had their work hours cut or lost their jobs during the pandemic, and 44% said the government should continue with programs that offered relief, including eviction protection and stimulus checks.

Despite high inflation and rising cost of living, Latinos in LA County were optimistic. More than 70% said their economic situation has improved a little or a lot, and 86% expect to see improvement in the next five years.

Another concern of Latinos observed by the survey concerns racial discrimination and criminality. The majority said they did not agree with the police “defunding” project (only 22% of respondents said police funding should be reduced), and 80% of them believe that racism or “anti-Latino” sentiment is a serious problem, with half of those interviewed saying they have already suffered discrimination.

Another data demonstrates the latent concern about housing. Half of Latinos surveyed said homelessness is one of the most important issues facing the Los Angeles area, and 66% of registered voters said they would support raising taxes to fund services and housing for the homeless.

The survey also highlights some oft-overlooked subtleties about the Latino community:

• 54% of respondents identify as Democrats, but only 25% describe themselves as liberals, with the majority considering themselves “moderate”.

• Latinos are a bicultural and bilingual community. Although there are variations based on age, 39% of respondents consume news in both languages.

• trust in government officials is indifferent among the community, with teachers and health professionals being the most trusted.

The research also revealed that “Latinos have little communication with elected officials, with 84% saying they haven’t talked with an official either in person or online over the past two years. […] An overwhelming percentage of respondents prefer to have a Latino representing them in public office, with 46% saying it is “very important” and 36% “somewhat important”, according to the publication of the Los Angeles Times.

With this finding about Latino representation, the poll ended up pointing to greater potential for politicians like Kevin de León, the only Latino candidate to stand out in the polls in the Los Angeles mayoral race.

According to the publication, “a majority of Latinos in the survey said they discuss government issues with friends and family and are highly influenced by both their families and ethnicity in their political views”.