These midterm elections we are seeing the most diverse group of candidates to ever run for public office.

This diversity can be seen nationwide and across the board, from positions in the House and Senate to city council and school boards. These groups include Asian Americans, Latinos, Muslims, African Americans, among others. Vermont, for instance, could appoint its first openly transgender governor. While Georgia could see its first black woman governor.

Some voters do their homework, read up on candidates and base their decision on policy preference. The assumption is that informed voters are likely to vote for politicians that represent their viewpoint. But does policy and ideology always the major factor that contribute to one's voting decision? We examine how ethnicity and gender factor into the way people vote. We look into how some groups tend to vote for those who share their ethnicity. And does it differ from one generation to the other.

Guest:

Fernando Guerra, professor of Political Science and Chicana/o Latina/o Studies and Director of the Center for the Study of Los Angeles at Loyola Marymount University

Fernando Guerra is a member of the KPCC Board of Trustees.