Latino Republican legislators in Texas are torn between their party’s political positions and the views of their Latino constituents.

Immigration is seen as the most prominent issue for Latino voters. Other contentious political topics include birthright citizenship, English-only bills, and bills that remove rights. Latino Republican legislators are taking careful stands on the issues and trying to avoid some of the harsh rhetoric that has been publicized.

The hardline stances taken by some Republicans on immigration is causing Latino legislators to worry about the effect on voters in 2012. John Garza represents San Antonio and is concerned that voters may view all Republicans as being anti-immigration. Garza says the Republican Party must be more inclusive to bring in Latino voters.

Political analysts say the Republican Party needs to field more Hispanic or Latino candidates and tone down some of their hardline rhetoric if they want to appeal more to Latino voters. Latino voters have traditionally been seen as strongly supporting the Democrats in a majority of elections.

However, the Republican Party has drawn more votes from Latinos during recent elections. There were no Latino Republican legislators in Texas two years ago but several were elected in the most recent elections.