Hispanic voters more concerned with economics than immigration, leader says.

This article was originally written by and appeared in The National Desk.

WASHINGTON (TND) — There's been a major shift in political party loyalty, as a new New York Times poll shows Democrats have lost significant ground with Latino voters.

The poll indicated Hispanic voters will have "a huge role" in deciding both the House and the Senate and control over Congress.

"It's the vote that's going to swing things," Javier Palomarez, who is the president and CEO of the U.S. Hispanic Business Council, told The National Desk's Jan Jeffcoat during an interview Friday morning.

He said it's a trend that will likely continue.

Thirty percent of the Latino vote is planning to go Republican. Fifty percent is still Democrat, but there's a 20 percent that's undecided, and therein is the opportunity -- or challenge, depending how you look at it. That's where the fight is going to be," Palomarez said. "At times like these, it's really economic concerns that take priority and that's what you're seeing. The Hispanic community is dealing with high-interest rates, energy costs, record inflation, and these are the issues that are front and center. Look, we're like all other American families. We worry about the meat and potatoes issues. We have to deal with those and right now and historically, it's been the Republican party that focuses on those economic issues and so I think it's a very natural trend and it will continue until things get better from an economic standpoint."

Palomerez also said a common misconception about Latino voters is immigration is the top concern, however, he noted the economy is a bigger anxiety. As a result, e said he expects there will be a bigger turnout of Latino voters for the midterm elections, especially in Texas.

"We worry about the economy. We worry about jobs. We worry about national security. We worry about rising interest rates and energy costs that are going through the roof," he said. "So, that's the messaging that should be what both parties should be focusing on in terms of reaching out to us. Don't be disingenuous. When you come talk to us, don't have disingenuous ad campaigns. I refer to it as 'Hispandering.' You're pandering to us in a fashion that frankly isn't helping your cause at all. 'Hispandering' isn't going to get you anywhere with the Hispanic vote."