Juan
Juan, a Mexican American government contractor in Phoenix, views politics through his upbringing in a border community and a deep empathy for migrants he sees as no different from himself except by circumstance. Though he aligns more with Democratic values on inclusion and social responsibility, he’s grown frustrated with what he sees as ineffective leadership, bureaucratic distance from everyday people, and a polished, patronizing tone—especially on immigration and the economy. After voting for Biden in 2020 with high expectations, Juan felt let down by inflation, stalled reform, and political timidity, and voted for Trump in 2024 out of pragmatism rather than loyalty. While critical of Trump’s deportations and overreach, he credits him with consistency, stamina, and a willingness to disrupt broken systems, believing the country—and the Democratic Party in particular—needs more direct, plainspoken leadership focused on getting results.
Main Interview
Juan shows strong empathy for migrants and border communities, recognizing his own privilege as a U.S.-born citizen. He criticizes how immigration policy has become politicized and detached from the realities of people contributing to their communities, noting that many undocumented individuals are productive and committed members of society. He appreciates Democratic values like social support, welfare, and equity, but critiques the party for ineffective execution, a “hero complex,” and polished or patronizing messaging. He admires leaders like Barack Obama for competence, moral clarity, and the ability to bridge divides. On Trump, Juan expresses frustration with overreach, deportations of non-criminals, and ethical lapses, though he acknowledges some economic stimulus and foreign policy wins. Overall, his perspective is moderate, pragmatic, and focused on results rather than strict party loyalty. He values leaders who act decisively, transparently, and with consideration for the marginalized.
Our initial interviews were conducted in participant’s homes, and lasted approximately 3 hours. The follow up interviews were conducted remotely via Zoom, and lasted around 30 minutes. The following are shortened clips from these interviews.
October 2025
Juan continues his moderate, nuanced approach. He focuses on the human impact of government actions (shutdowns, ICE raids) and is critical of authoritarian or militarized tactics, such as National Guard deployments in cities. He emphasizes practical solutions—funding social programs, healthcare, and local governance—as more effective than punitive measures. He evaluates leaders by competence, ethics, and tangible results rather than ideology, reflecting a centrist, problem-solving orientation.
November 2025
Juan expresses his frustration with the GOP for not fulfilling what they promised in the 2024 campaign trail, and goes into the 2025 elections, where he leaned more blue and which Democrats dominated . He also delves into the idea that Latinos are abandoning the Republican party– something he blames on increasingly aggressive ICE raids against innocent members of his community–Trump’s leadership, and the ongoing government shutdown which he sees as against his values.
December 2025
Juan talks about the crisis of affordability in the country, utilities prices increasing, and the end of ACA subsidies after Congress failed to reach a deal to extend them, all things he is extremely frustrated about and which he considers to be broken promises from the GOP. He then goes into the 2026 midterms in which he expects to vote blue, and wonders why Democrats are so tough on their own party.
Meet the Cohort
