The Rise of Republicans in Latino California with Gustavo Arellano

The Latino Vote

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)

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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 dramatic transformation in California’s Latino political landscape. They explore how the rise of Latino Republicans—from a handful to a historic nine in Sacramento—is challenging traditional Democratic strongholds and redefining what it means to represent Latino communities. The lively discussion delves into generational divides, debates over immigration versus economic priorities, and even cultural quirks from lowrider pride to electric car mandates. Tune in for a candid, humorous, and insightful conversation about how changing voter identities are reshaping the future of California—and potentially the nation’s—political arena.

Gustavo Arellano is a columnist for the Los Angeles Times, covering Southern California everything and a bunch of the West and beyond. He previously worked at OC Weekly, where he was an investigative reporter for 15 years and editor for six, wrote a column called ¡Ask a Mexican! and is the author of “Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America.” He’s the child of two Mexican immigrants, one of whom came to this country in the trunk of a Chevy.

• Gustavo Arellano on the LA Times: https://www.latimes.com/people/gustavo-arellano
• Gustavo on X (formally known as twitter): https://x.com/GustavoArellano

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Recorded February 19, 2025

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