The Republican Party is at a crossroads as we approach the 2024 presidential cycle. We have an opportunity to rebuild after hard losses in 2020 and 2022 with new leaders from new generations. But to truly build a strong political party, we must represent those whose votes we hope to earn.

Approximately 100,000 Hispanics turn 18 and are eligible to vote every month. We need their votes. That's why now is the time to ensure that Hispanics are the face of the new and changing GOP. We need to capitalize on the fact that over the last few years, Hispanics have been shifting more Republican. According to 2022 CNN exit polls, Republicans won 39% of the Hispanic vote, up from 32% in 2020 and 29% in 2018.

We need to build upon these gains we've made in the last few years with great leaders like Reps. Monica De La Cruz (R-TX), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), and Mike Garcia (R-CA). This means identifying potential leaders in Hispanic communities nationwide and supporting those who want to help their fellow people through political service. We need to make sure those Hispanics who believe in small government and fiscal conservatism know they are not only welcome but will receive encouragement, mentorship, and resources.

We also must demand more from our elected officials and campaign committees: It's time not only to hire but promote Hispanics. The staff needs to mirror the American population. According to the census, 19% of the U.S. population is Hispanic. To state the obvious, that is not the percentage of Hispanic staffers in Republican politics. Our leadership will be strengthened through more perspectives at the table — and not just on immigration or border issues. The age of the token Hispanic low-level operative or staffer needs to end. We need to hear Hispanic voices on all issues of public importance.

Finally, it's important that we appeal to all Hispanics. As a community, we are not monolithic. The needs and wants of those of Cuban descent in Florida are very different from those of Mexican descent in Texas, which are themselves very different from those of Mexican descent in California. The Puerto Rican community in Ohio is different from that of New York.

One-size-fits-all approaches to the Hispanic community will not succeed. The sooner both political parties recognize that, the better. The approach must be focused on the issues that truly matter to the Hispanic community — and immigration is not necessarily at the top of the list. In a September 2022 NBC-Telemundo survey of Hispanic voters, Hispanics rated the economy as one of their top issues, and bonus: They trust Republicans to handle the economy over Democrats.

We have an opportunity to grow the GOP if we internalize and implement these ideas over the next two years. It’s up to our GOP leaders, both elected and at the staff level, to ensure we have a stronger GOP, a stronger showing at the ballot box, and a stronger future with greater Hispanic representation.

Emily Benavides is a longtime U.S. Senate and campaign staffer.