As Republicans converge in Las Vegas on December 15 for the next presidential debate, it would serve them well to take a moment and reflect on where they are. And perhaps, more importantly, who they are surrounded by.
The U.S. Census estimates Nevada's Latino population at approximately 28 percent with a median age of 26 years old. Not to mention, nearly 60 percent of the state's Latinos were born in the U.S. In Las Vegas, the Latino population grew by nearly 63 percent between 2000 and 2010 and currently exceeds 31 percent. In comparison, the total population of Las Vegas only grew by 22 percent during that same period. It's also worth mentioning that Nevada's Republican Gov. Brian Sandavol is Latino, as are two candidates looking to fill the open seat in 2018.
While these numbers are very telling, it only tells part of the story. These trends are similar throughout the country and especially so in the western half of the United States. In fact, the states with the largest number of electoral votes - California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Illinois - are also home to the largest Latino populations.
What the numbers boil down to is that Republicans, and Democrats for that matter, need to address issues Latinos care about. And while it's easy to put an entire segment of the population into the immigration box, it's so much more than that.
While it hasn't received the headlines, concerns about the environment like climate, drought and water issues, energy development and public lands conservation have vaulted to one of the top priorities since the last presidential election.
Last year, Hispanic Access Foundation and leading pollster Latino Decision analyzed nine major public opinion polls released over the course of three years finding that Latinos aren't just appreciating and increasingly advocating for our environment - they may even vote for candidates who will see it protected. As the research brief said, "When it comes to policies and candidates, Hispanics consistently articulate their preference for an agenda that actively promotes a cleaner environment and preserving public lands.
We've seen this support in action as Latinos have been actively involved in efforts to protect areas like San Gabriel Mountains in Los Angeles County, the California desert, Browns Canyon in Colorado, Boulder-White Clouds in Idaho, and Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks in New Mexico. Not only do they visit these locations, but they also engage their local communities in making sure that their elected officials acknowledge the Latino viewpoint.
And sure, you'll hear the argument that Latinos don't vote, but this is a red herring.
Earlier this year, HAF released another study with Latino Decisions that found evidence that Latinos' stated concerns for the environment and protection of America's public lands is demonstrated at the voting booth - and impacts policy. The research brief analyzed the results of four 2014 environmental ballot initiatives from Florida, California, Colorado and New Mexico. Experts determined that Latinos' voting habits on these state ballot initiatives closely correlated with their stated support for conservation. Moreover, in some states, Latino voters were a key factor in the passage of the environmental ballot initiative.
Latinos, especially in the West and Southwest, have strong cultural ties to the public lands and rivers, and regularly partake in outdoor activities. This personal connection to the outdoors helps to sharpen interest in conservation policy issues.
In this time of changing demographics, presidential hopefuls should take a cue from the Latino growth Nevada and Las Vegas represents and embrace the environmental and conservation issues that have taken strong root within the Latino community.
Otherwise, they may just end up rolling snake eyes in 2016.