Politicking in the Barrio: Essays on Latino Politics in New York

This book offers an episodic view of Latino politics in New York from 2017 to 2025--a period of both dramatic political flux and unprecedented Latino demographic growth. It is episodic in that the book’s story derives from previously published thought pieces, in addition to some new material, on the elections, political figures, and social contexts of Latino politics in the largest city in the nation. While firmly rooted in Gotham’s unique political ecosystem, the analysis nevertheless sheds crucial light on the broader dynamics shaping Latino political life across the United States. For New York City presents a paradox that is echoed nationally: Latinos are now the largest ethnic voting bloc in the city, surpassing both African Americans and whites in raw registration numbers. Yet this demographic prominence has not necessarily translated into proportional political power. Furthermore, the forces of gentrification, redistricting, intra-ethnic divisions, and chronically low voter turnout all threaten Latino representation--not only in East Harlem and Bushwick, but also in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Miami.

Elieser Valentin is Assistant Dean of Graduate and Leadership Studies and Executive Director of Latino initiatives at Virginia Union University. He is the editor of Sermons from the Latino/a Pulpit (Wipf and Stock) and a frequent guest political analyst at Univision News and New York 1 News.