Reading, a postindustrial city with a rapidly growing Latino population, has seen a significant shift in voting patterns. Once a Democratic stronghold, the city is witnessing an increasing Republican presence, a trend that mirrors other cities along Pennsylvania’s "222 corridor," including Allentown and Hazleton.

From 2016 to 2020, Republicans gained more ground than Democrats in Pennsylvania's three most Latino cities. Reading, where Latinos now make up 68% of the population, experienced a 12% drop in Democratic votes while Republicans saw a 37% increase. This trend was echoed in Allentown, where Democrats gained just 500 votes compared to the 2,430 new Republican votes, and in Hazleton, where Democratic votes decreased by 185 while Republican votes increased by 240.

Former President Donald Trump’s appeal among Latino voters, particularly in these cities, presents a critical question for the 2024 election. Trump made significant inroads in these communities in 2020, and his campaign is looking to build on that momentum. In Reading alone, Trump improved his vote count in 42 of the city’s 44 precincts compared to 2016, despite then-President Joe Biden carrying the city with 72% of the vote.

The growing Republican support among Latinos could be pivotal in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state. An analysis of election data reveals that the higher the percentage of Latino voters in a precinct, the greater the shift towards Republican votes. Precincts with Latino populations above 60% saw an average increase of 98 Republican votes between 2016 and 2020.

This shift is not solely about party affiliation but also reflects broader issues. Latino voters in these areas have expressed concerns about the economy and immigration, with some seeing Trump as a champion of economic prosperity. However, local leaders like Reading Mayor Eddie Morán, a Democrat, caution against complacency, emphasizing that the Democratic Party cannot take Latino votes for granted.

As the 2024 election approaches, both parties are keenly aware that Pennsylvania’s Latino voters could determine the outcome. Whether Trump can maintain his gains or if Kamala Harris can reverse the trend remains to be seen, but the stakes are undeniably high.