One of the most significant shifts in the 2024 election is the growing openness of Black and Hispanic voters – especially men – toward the Republican Party. Whether driven by the GOP’s messaging on economic stability, public safety, and social issues, or by disillusionment with the Democratic Party’s focus on ideological purity over practical solutions, this development presents a historic opportunity for President Trump and the Republican Party.

This shift is profoundly significant. For the GOP, gaining a lasting foothold with Black and Hispanic voters is a chance to reshape the electoral map and influence future policy. For President Trump, it’s an opportunity to solidify his legacy beyond his presidency and build a foundation that could shape the GOP for generations. By addressing the key concerns of these communities, President Trump can be remembered not just for his populism, but for bridging longstanding political divides.

However, winning the support of Black and Hispanic voters is no small task, especially in Democratic strongholds like California’s 43rd Congressional District, which is represented by vocal Trump critic Maxine Waters. With Democratic registration at 59 percent and Republicans at just 11 percent, this district reflects decades of deeply rooted voting patterns. To some, Waters represents stability; for others, her long tenure stands for unfulfilled promises. Issues like escalating crime, rising living costs, and limited access to quality jobs remain unresolved, leaving many questioning whether meaningful change is within reach.

Waters' tenure is a testament to the Democratic Party’s dominance in urban districts across America. But this dominance has bred frustration, with many Black and Hispanic voters increasingly questioning whether the party truly addresses their needs. Entrenched leadership has led to a lack of accountability, transparency, and progress, leaving key issues like economic opportunity, crime, and quality jobs unresolved.

This growing discontent presents a rare opportunity for the Trump Administration to connect with these communities. Although, building trust with Black and Hispanic voters requires more than rhetoric; it requires policies that promote economic self-reliance, foster upward mobility, and create lasting opportunities for wealth-building and success. These efforts must extend beyond temporary aid, focusing instead on long-term opportunities such as small business ownership and access to quality jobs. By prioritizing economic empowerment, the Trump Administration can redefine the GOP as the party of sustained opportunity, not merely a fleeting alternative.

Equally critical to building trust is addressing public safety – a concern deeply felt in these communities. Black and Hispanic voters are calling for a balanced approach: firm crime prevention coupled with accountability within law enforcement. By championing policies that respect both individual rights and community needs, the Trump Administration can position the GOP as a practical and principled choice for those seeking safer neighborhoods without sacrificing justice.

But policy alone won’t build lasting trust. The Trump Administration must also prioritize fostering authentic, ongoing relationships with Black and Hispanic communities. This requires consistent, year-round engagement – not just during election cycles. Attending community meetings, listening to concerns, extending invitations to social and political events, and investing in local initiatives are essential steps to demonstrating that the GOP isn’t just a party of opportunity but one of unwavering commitment.

Building these connections also means elevating candidates who genuinely reflect the values and experiences of their communities. As a Republican candidate of Black, Filipino, and Mexican heritage, raised in the multicultural streets of Los Angeles, my background mirrors the challenges faced by many in these neighborhoods. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how gang life stole the potential of those around me. For instance, one of my father’s cousins, married to a notorious L.A. drug dealer, was tragically killed during a carjacking in front of her young sons. Her husband’s thirst for revenge led to a life sentence in prison. With their mother gone and father behind bars for life, my younger cousins were forced to navigate the foster care system. Experiences like this underscore the urgent need for policies that further economic opportunities and create safer communities.

This commitment to opportunity runs deep in my family. My father’s upbringing, in particular, reflects the challenges and potential of these communities. A Black man raised in South Central Los Angeles by a single mother who worked tirelessly as a maid to make ends meet, he was once involved in a street gang. However, he left that life behind after high school, and after serving in Vietnam, he found work at Mattel Inc. (creator of Hot Wheels and Barbie), where he took advantage of free computer programming classes offered by IBM. His dedication paid off, and he went on to become a successful tech professional, working with Fortune 500 companies and owning his own company until his retirement.

My mother’s story reflects the same determination to overcome adversity. A Filipino and Mexican woman raised in Echo Park by a single father – an immigrant who came to America during the Great Depression – she also faced the challenges of growing up in difficult circumstances. Like my father, she was involved in a street gang during her youth and witnessed the hardships of living paycheck to paycheck. After enduring an abusive first marriage, she rebuilt her life and eventually rose through the ranks of corporate America, becoming a human resources manager at Northrop Grumman.

While my upbringing wasn’t as difficult as my parents’, their journeys instilled in me a deep appreciation for perseverance and resilience. Growing up, I experienced my share of financial struggles, but I was determined to avoid the pitfalls they faced, steering clear of gang life. Instead, I focused on education and sports, working hard in high school and earning multiple academic scholarships to attend the University of Southern California. After graduating from the Marshall School of Business, I began my career in sales within the Internet industry, following in my father’s footsteps by working with Fortune 500 companies. Later, I transitioned to commercial real estate and land-use consulting, gaining valuable experience with industry-leading firms like Cushman & Wakefield. Eventually, I took a leap of faith and started my own real estate firm – an entrepreneurial move that embodies the values of hard work, adaptability, and community that my parents instilled in me.

These experiences have deeply influenced my commitment to policies that empower individuals to overcome adversity. This isn’t just political rhetoric; it’s the reality I’ve lived. It’s why the Republican Party’s core principles of individual liberty, economic freedom, and personal responsibility resonate so strongly with me. For me, it’s not just about policy; it's about equipping people with the tools they need to succeed and break the cycle of hardship – just as my parents did.

This understanding of empowerment is key to building a lasting relationship with Black and Hispanic voters. To achieve this, the Trump Administration must embrace a platform focused on stability, opportunity, and responsiveness. President Trump and the GOP have an open window – but it won’t stay open forever. By prioritizing economic opportunity, balanced public safety, and consistent community engagement, the Trump Administration can transition the GOP from a temporary alternative into a trusted ally. The time to act is now – with bold policies, candidates who truly represent these communities, and a commitment to showing Black and Hispanic voters, “We are with YOU.”

Steve Williams was the Republican candidate challenging Maxine Waters for California's 43rd Congressional District in 2024 and will challenge her again in 2026.