Harris Struggles to Win Over Latinos, While Trump Holds His Grip, Poll Shows

Vice President Kamala Harris’s support among Hispanic voters is in dangerously low territory for Democrats, according to a New York Times/Siena College poll, while her rival, former President Donald J.Trump, has maintained his strength with the fast-growing group poised to play a key role in deciding control of the White House.The survey of the likely Latino electorate across the country found Ms.

Harris underperforming the last three Democratic candidates for the White House, and vulnerable on a slate of top issues, including the economy, immigration and crime.Mr.Trump, who shocked Democrats four years ago with his appeal to Latinos, particularly men, has only tightened his grip — even as he closes his campaign with a sharply anti-immigrant message.The poll found that those escalating attacks on immigrants had not driven Latino voters to Ms.

Harris.Two-thirds of those surveyed said they believed Mr.

Trump was not referring to people like them when he spoke about immigrants.(Half of foreign-born Hispanic voters said the same.)The findings highlight Latinos’ status as decisive swing voters in presidential politics.

The last Democrat to fall below 60 percent with Latino voters was John Kerry, the losing nominee in 2004.Over a decade ago, roughly 70 percent of Latino voters backed President Barack Obama’s re-election.

Since then, Mr.Trump has eroded that support....