Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid break down the congressional districts, Senate primaries, and demographic shifts that will decide who controls Washington. From South Texas to Miami to California’s Central Valley, they map out the Latino-heavy seats that could flip the House. And possibly reshape both political parties.

They analyze early voting trends in Texas, the role of Latino turnout in urban centers like Houston and Dallas, and the myth that the Rio Grande Valley alone defines Latino political power. The conversation digs into suburban versus rural Latino voters, Cuban shifts in South Florida, and why 30% Latino population has historically been a tipping point in competitive districts.

Chuck & Mike also tackle the bigger question: Are Democrats and Republicans adapting to Latino voters. Or still misunderstanding them? And what happens when both parties try to claim a community that increasingly refuses to be boxed into red-versus-blue politics?

If you want to understand where the 2026 midterms will really be decided, this is your battlefield briefing.

The numbers. The districts. The strategy. The Latino vote isn’t an afterthought anymore. It’s the front line.

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Recorded February 18, 2026

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Mike Madrid flies solo to unpack the future of Latino politics — and why 2026 could mark the beginning of an entirely new chapter.

From Bad Bunny’s Spanish-language Super Bowl moment to the political aftershocks of Trump 2.0, Mike breaks down what he calls a Latino inflection point: a generational shift away from blind party loyalty and toward accountability.

1. Why are Latino voters swinging harder than any other group in America?
2. Why are both Democrats and Republicans failing to deliver real results?
3. And why is representation no longer enough?

Mike challenges Latino elected officials across the country to stop patching up broken systems in education, housing, and economic opportunity, and instead have the courage to rebuild them entirely. His point: Latino voters may be the last true swing vote in America — not because they lack ideology, but because they’re demanding results.

Are Latino voters redefining American democracy — or exposing its failures?

Tune in for one of the most candid and consequential conversations of the season.

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Recorded February 11, 2026.

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Referenced in the episode:

• PPIC - 'Remedial Courses in Community Colleges are a Major Hurdle to Success': https://www.ppic.org/press-release/remedial-courses-in-community-colleges-are-major-hurdle-to-success/
• PPIC - 'Remedial Education in California’s Colleges and Universities': https://www.ppic.org/publication/remedial-education-in-californias-colleges-and-universities/

Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!

Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcast

Find us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcast

Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_Vote

Visit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.vote

If you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!

Latino voters just delivered one of the biggest political shocks of the 2026 cycle — a 50+ point swing in Latino precincts in a deep-red Texas Senate district. The message is clear: Latinos are no longer loyal to either party, and they’re demanding results.

Mike and Chuck dig into what’s really driving Latino voters in 2026: an aspirational, working-class agenda centered on housing, health care, and hope. They unpack why immigration enforcement, economic pain, and cultural backlash are reshaping the electorate, why Republicans are panicking, and why Democrats can’t afford to blow this second chance.

The guys also preview Bad Bunny's upcoming Superbowl performance, its significant cultural reference, and the opposing alternative halftime show being pushed by MAGA Trumpers. Send us pictures of your Superbowl Halftime experience!

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Recorded February 4, 2026.

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Referenced in the episode:

• Votehub - 2026 Texas Senate District 9 Special Election Interactive Map: https://votehub.com/2026_txsd9_special
• ABC 7 | WJLA - 'Snowcrete' piles persist as DC leaders push cleanup efforts forward: https://wjla.com/news/local/snowcrete-piles-dc-leaders-push-cleanup-efforts-forward-winter-snow-storm-icicy-roads-streets-public-schools-open-mayor-bowser-residents-safety-community-removal-shovel-fines-senior-housing-sidewalks-streets-dmv
• The Guardian - Donald Trump announces plans for Indycar race through Washington DC streets: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jan/30/trump-indycar-grand-prix-washington-dc
• The New York Times - Bad Bunny’s All-American, All-Spanish, All-Eyes-on-Him Super Bowl: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/06/arts/music/bad-bunny-super-bowl-halftime-show.html
• KTLA5 - Kid Rock lyrics about underage girls draw questions ahead of ‘faith and family’-based TPUSA show: https://ktla.com/entertainment/kid-rock-lyrics-about-underage-girls-draw-questions-ahead-of-faith-and-family-based-tpusa-show

Check out the rest of the references and recent news on the latino vote on our website: https://latinos.vote/

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Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!

Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcast

Find us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcast

Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_Vote

Visit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.vote

If you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!