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Spanish-language radio show reflects Hispanic voter frustration in Pennsylvania

Associated Press reports rising prices are fueling frustration among Latino voters in Pennsylvania's 7th District race between Ryan Mackenzie and Bob Brooks.

Updated Oct 12, 2026 · 18:09 UTC1 reports

The short version

  • Associated Press reports that Víctor Martínez's Spanish-language radio show in Allentown hears frustration over fuel and food prices.[Associated Press]
  • Latinos now make up nearly a quarter of the Lehigh Valley population, up from a fifth over the same period.[Associated Press]
  • Republican Ryan Mackenzie faces Democratic challenger Bob Brooks in the 7th District, and Republicans are buying ad time on Martínez's show.[Associated Press]
  • Martínez warns Republicans could face midterm consequences, while one Trump voter now leans toward Brooks.[Associated Press]

Key facts

  • Víctor Martínez hosts a morning radio program in the Lehigh Valley, where Latinos have grown from a fifth to nearly a quarter of the population.[Associated Press]
  • Listeners on the program expressed frustration over high fuel prices, high food prices and the broader economy.[Associated Press]
  • In Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District, freshman Republican Ryan Mackenzie faces Democratic challenger Bob Brooks, a retired firefighter and union leader.[Associated Press]
  • Martínez is a critic of Trump who supports Brooks this year, though he said his political roots are in the Republican Party.[Associated Press]
  • Jackie Rivera, vice chair of the Lehigh County Republicans, said the party wants to keep Latino support by focusing on faith and family, and that the party is buying ad time on Martínez's show.[Associated Press]

What remains uncertain

  • The account rests on a single outlet and on interviews with a radio host, listeners and local officials, and it cites no polling on how Latino voters will ultimately vote.[Associated Press]
  • Mayor Matt Tuerk's comparison to two years ago and the views of individual voters such as Alberto Peña are personal perspectives, not representative data.[Associated Press]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.