Undergraduate Research & Scholarships

Julio Cedillo Social Science

Going Rouge: The Military and the Rise of the Right Latino

Scholars Journal

Since 2016, an increasing number of Latinos have identified with the Republican Party—a political paradox, given their historical alignment with the Democratic Party. The margin between the Democratic and Republican share of the Latino vote is narrowing, reflecting a shift in political engagement. As the largest minority demographic in the United States, Latinos are enlisting in the military at increasing rates, providing insight into conservatism as a pathway to assimilation in American society. The military is noted for fostering unity across racial and cultural lines via a colorblind and deracialized approach. This homogenization of recruits dissolves individuality in favor of loyalty to the nation, branch, and soldiers. While past studies on Latino assimilation have primarily focused on generational trends and socioeconomic factors, research examining Latinos in the military has become scarce. Julio’s research looks into the role of the military and its influence among Latinos’ perceptions of national identity, overcoming marginalization, and participating in conservative political engagement.