Maldonado to Trump: You Have Lost Our Respect, Buying Power, and Votes

Growing sentiment to dump Donald Trump took another step forward Tuesday as prominent Hispanic Republicans — including Abel Maldonado, whose political ascension spans from Santa Maria City Council to a short stint as California’s Lt. Governor — published an open letter to the brash businessman. On June 16, Trump announced his 2016 presidential bid with a divisive speech that characterized Mexican immigrants to the U.S. as drug mules and rapists.

“America,” the letter states, “more than ever needs a president who will unite us – with both words and deeds – not further divide us. You fail on all accounts. As such, not only have you lost our respect and our buying power, but you have lost our vote. We will never support you, your candidacy or your enterprises. Without the Hispanic vote you will not be the Republican nominee, much less the president of our great nation.”

Recent polling data shows Trump overcoming Jeb Bush as the most popular Republican presidential candidate.