The ousting of Kevin McCarthy from the Speaker of the House position, and election of Congressman Mike Johnson, is not merely a recalibration within the Republican Party. It is a clarion call from American Hispanics, many with direct immigrant roots, who are tired of the establishment's two-faced approach to border security and American values.
American Hispanics inherently grasp the grave nature of the border crisis. Our history, often tied to tales of migration, gives us a unique vantage point. We, more than anyone else, can discern between the narratives of legal and illegal immigration. We champion the rule of law, respect for sovereign borders, and the merit of a structured, fair immigration process.
McCarthy, like so many establishment Republicans, demonstrated a frustrating aloofness to these concerns. His tepid stance on border security was not only ineffective but felt like a betrayal to those of us who believed the GOP stood for unwavering conservative principles.
The establishment has for too long played lip service to our community, taking our conservative inclinations for granted. They seem to believe that a few token gestures during Hispanic Heritage Month or sporadic outreach during election seasons are enough.
It's not. Our commitment to family, faith, hard work, and above all, a robust and secure America demands more. It demands leadership with spine, conviction, and an unwavering commitment to conservative values.
The Washington elites, with their cocktail parties and backroom deals, have consistently neglected the urgency of border security. For them, it’s another political issue to be bartered and negotiated. For us, it’s about our families, our communities, and the very fabric of a nation we deeply love and believe in.
Establishment Republicans like McCarthy have shown time and again that they're part of a D.C. clique more interested in maintaining the status quo than in taking a principled stand. They are indistinguishable from the left when it comes to action, or lack thereof, on critical issues like border security.
For many Hispanic conservatives, their faith — be it Catholicism or another Christian denomination — serves as a moral compass, guiding stances on issues such as abortion, marriage, and family values. It’s no surprise that many within my community have felt increasingly alienated by the broader political shifts, as their core beliefs were relegated to the sidelines.
The election of Speaker Johnson, a staunch advocate for social conservatism, speaks directly to these Hispanic conservative values. He represents a reaffirmation of traditional principles and offers a reassuring presence for many American Hispanics who have often felt overlooked or misunderstood within the broader conservative movement.
The media's rapid move to vilify Johnson for his faith-driven stances mirrors the struggles many Hispanic conservatives face daily. Our deeply held beliefs, rooted in cultural and religious traditions, are often underrepresented or mischaracterized in mainstream discourse.
Yet, in the face of such challenges, Johnson's election is a beacon of hope. It’s a promise that the Republican Party is returning to its roots, which resonate deeply with Hispanic traditions and values. The presence of a leader who shares and champions these principles is a sign of a party willing to embrace the rich tapestry of conservative beliefs within America.
Hispanic conservatives are done waiting. McCarthy's removal and Johnson’s election is a testament to our growing influence and our refusal to be sidelined any longer. We demand leaders who don't just speak about values but live by them, who understand the gravity of the border crisis, and who are prepared to act decisively.
The era of establishment politics, of all talk and no action, is over. We, the Hispanic conservatives, are making sure of it.
Bianca Gracia is president of the Latinos for Trump/Latinos for America First Organization, Founder and Executive Director of Latinos for America First PAC. She has worked as the Chief Strategist at The America Project, Hispanic Engagement Director of the Republican Party of Texas, and the State Director of Faith and Freedom Coalition. She was the former President of Leaderes de la Comunidad, Americanos Conservative United, director and adviser for Blexit Texas. Gracia has appeared on Fox, "Steve Bannon’s War Room," Newsmax, OAN and can be heard live Monday mornings at 8am on 1440 Keys AM in Corpus Christi, Texas. Read more of her reports — Here.