Politicking in the Barrio
Essays on Latino Politics in New York
- Ethics, Culture & Social Issues
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Published: 2026
FritzSearch.com earns a commission on purchases made through Bookshop.org links.
Publisher's Description
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.
Endorsements (3)
“With impressive insight growing out of decades of involvement in Latino political and cultural life, Valentin offers profound insights regarding and sharp analysis of the changing terrain of Latino political commitments and what it means for New York City and, by extension, the larger US. This is an important book, one that puts in graphic relief the changing nature of politics on a regional and national level. I encourage you to read it and reflect on its implications.”
“This treasure chest of essays provides the fullest and most nuanced understanding available of the ins and outs and ups and downs of Latino Politics in New York City.”
“How timely! Politicking in the Barrio provides a keen description and analysis of Latino politics at a very micro level in the largest city in the country, con nombre y apellido, while tying those developments to larger patterns at the national level during the first quarter of the twenty-first century. It highlights among other realities the still unrealized potential and complexities of the Latino vote, and the increase of women and generational change in political representation. ¡Muy bueno!”
See something wrong on this page? Report a problem