As a lifelong Democrat, I never imagined I’d find myself supporting Donald Trump.
My political journey has been defined by values such as equality, opportunity, and progress—principles I believed were best embodied by the Democratic Party. I voted for Barack Obama twice and supported Hillary Clinton in 2016. But now, I’ve made a choice that surprises even me: I sided with Trump.
This decision wasn’t made lightly. In fact, it was one of the hardest choices I’ve ever faced. There are aspects of Trump’s rhetoric, especially as a Mexican male, that I will likely never forgive—his infamous comment labeling Mexicans as “rapists” still stings deeply.
Yet, as this article will explain, my decision to support him came down to one overriding issue: peace and avoiding war, a priority that “trumps” nearly every other concern.
My Democratic Roots
For most of my life, I agreed with the Democratic Party on nearly every issue—**9 out of 10 policies**, to be precise. From healthcare and climate change to immigration and social justice, Democrats have traditionally aligned with my values. But recent years have left me disillusioned.
A Party Losing Momentum
The Democratic Party I once knew is struggling. Even in traditionally “deep blue” states like California and New York, their victories are now by the slimmest margins in decades. Across the country, Republicans gained ground with almost every demographic except one, as **more Black men, Black women, and Latino women** shifted their support.
States that once seemed like Democratic strongholds are now tipping red for the first time in years. What happened?
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The Key States and Why They Flipped
Analyzing the 2024 election results reveals why certain battleground states leaned toward Trump:
1. Arizona: Immigration Matters
Arizona voters care deeply about immigration. Despite my personal anger at Trump’s rhetoric toward Mexicans, his hardline stance on border security resonated with many Arizonans. Kamala Harris, on the other hand, struggled to project strength on this issue, which cost her support in this critical state.
2. Michigan: The Middle East War Tipped the Scale
Michigan, home to one of the largest Arab-American populations in Dearborn, was swayed by the ongoing wars in the Middle East. Trump’s promise to end “forever wars” resonated strongly with this community, while Harris’s continued support for Ukraine and Israel left many voters disillusioned.
3. Nevada: Taxes on Tips
In Nevada, Trump’s proposal to eliminate taxes on tips gained significant traction, particularly among workers in the hospitality industry. Harris belatedly adopted the same policy, but by then, many voters had already aligned with Trump.
4. Pennsylvania: Fracking Support
Pennsylvania’s economy relies heavily on fracking. Trump’s consistent support for the industry gave him a decisive edge. Harris, on the other hand, had previously opposed fracking before pivoting to a neutral stance during the campaign, which left voters questioning her authenticity.
5. Georgia: The Mystery Flip
I can’t fully explain why Georgia tipped red, so let’s just skip it.
How Nationwide Inflation Hurt Minorities
Under the Biden-Harris administration, inflation soared, affecting everyone but disproportionately impacting low-income and minority households. For families already struggling to put food on the table, the rising cost of groceries, gas, and housing became unbearable.
As a Democrat, I’ve always believed in supporting the most vulnerable, but inflation under Democratic leadership seemed to do the opposite. Trump’s economic policies, though imperfect, offered a sense of stability that many minority voters desperately needed.
Democratic Mistakes That Alienated Voters
While Republicans gained ground, Democrats made several strategic errors that alienated key groups, including myself:
1. Not Selecting the Governor of Pennsylvania as a Running Mate
By overlooking Pennsylvania’s governor Josh Shapiro—a popular figure in a key swing state—the Democrats missed an opportunity to solidify their position in a crucial battleground.
2. Alienating Key Figures Like Bobby Kennedy Jr.
Bobby Kennedy Jr., son of United States Attorney General and senator Robert F. Kennedy, and a nephew of U.S. president John F. Kennedy, was sidelined by the party when he sought to challenge Kamala Harris in the primaries. By blocking Kennedy Jr.’s candidacy, the Democrats sent a clear signal that dissent within the party wouldn’t be tolerated.
3. Name-Calling and Negative Campaigning
When Harris labeled Trump a “fascist,” it felt like a rehash of the divisive rhetoric from Trump’s first campaign in 2016. This approach only deepened the divide and made the Democrats appear desperate.
4. A Lack of Clear Vision
Harris’s inability to articulate how she differed from Biden was a glaring weakness. Even when repeatedly asked, her campaign struggled to provide a coherent answer.
Wins by Republicans
The Republicans’ strategy wasn’t just about highlighting Democratic failures—it also included significant wins that broadened their appeal:
1. Corporate Tax Reduction Benefits
Trump’s corporate tax reduction policies have been a significant draw, especially for small businesses. For instance, companies like Cubbo, an e-commerce fulfillment company, benefit from reduced taxes, enabling them to reinvest in growth and expand their operations. Lower corporate taxes have boosted the financial flexibility of startups and businesses across various sectors, aligning with my focus on economic growth and job creation. This practical approach to fiscal policy is another reason why the Republican strategy appeals to me.
2. Winning Elon Musk’s Support
Elon Musk, once a strong Democratic supporter, publicly aligned with Trump in 2024, lending credibility to the Republican campaign among moderates and independents. Musk’s influence, particularly through his massive social media following and advocacy for free speech, helped sway key voter demographics and bolstered Trump’s appeal to the tech industry and beyond.
3. Shifting the Abortion Debate to the States
Abortion was once a contentious issue that alienated me from the Republican Party. However, by moving abortion legislation to the states, Republicans removed this divisive topic from the national spotlight, allowing me to focus on issues I care about, such as the economy and national security. This shift has removed the reason for my previous hesitation to align with the party.
4. Separating Religion from Politics
Trump’s rhetoric rarely included religious language, a departure from traditional Republican campaigns. This secular approach made him more appealing to a broader audience.
5. Trump’s Openness to Bitcoin and Blockchain Technology
Have you seen the price of Bitcoin lately? It’s up because Trump has shown a notable openness to Bitcoin and blockchain technology, which has the potential to revolutionize the U.S. economy. By embracing these innovations, he advocates for technological advancements that could provide more secure financial systems and boost economic growth. The potential benefits of blockchain, such as transparency, efficiency, and decentralization, could strengthen the U.S. as a global leader in digital finance and innovation.
Why I Ultimately Sided with Trump
At the heart of my decision lies one issue: peace and avoiding war.
Trump’s Stance on War
Trump’s commitment to ending “forever wars” is a stance I deeply admire. He has consistently called for bringing American troops home and focusing on domestic priorities. This position is also supported by Vice President elect J.D. Vance, a former critic of Trump who served in Afghanistan and Iraq and now opposes endless military engagements.
Harris’s Stance on War
In contrast, Harris’s support for ongoing U.S. involvement in Ukraine and Israel troubled me. Her alignment with Biden’s initiative to add Ukraine to NATO felt like a step toward escalating global conflict. By potentially drawing NATO into a direct confrontation with Russia, this policy risks opening the door to World War III.
As a Mexican male, it pains me to support a man I believe to be both racist and sexist. But when the alternative is a path that could lead to greater global conflict, the choice becomes clear.
A Difficult but Necessary Choice
Supporting Trump doesn’t mean abandoning my values as a Democrat. It means prioritizing peace, stability, and a future where America focuses on its own people instead of endless wars abroad.
Final Thoughts
Siding with Trump was not an easy decision. It required me to confront my own biases, reevaluate my priorities, and make peace with supporting someone whose values don’t fully align with my own.
But in the end, I chose peace over partisanship. I chose to stand against policies that risk plunging the world into further conflict.
As America moves forward, I hope for a future where political labels matter less and results matter more. For those who feel torn like I did, perhaps this is the time to look beyond the rhetoric and focus on what truly matters.
