In the november 2010 midterm election, the democratic party experienced an unprecedented loss of seats in congress. yet, in california all of the democratic candidates running for statewide office won. an analysis of the vote concluded that a key factor in the democratic success was

the strength of the Latino vote

In the 2010 midterm elections, Democratic candidates won the Latino vote in all states except Florida.  In California, the Latino vote was especially significant and sizable enough to help Democrats win overall victories.  Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer won 65% of the Latino vote compared to the Republican candidate's 29%.  The Latino vote also aided the election of the governor, Jerry Brown, who got 64% of the Latino vote compared to 31% for the Republican candidate.

Spanish conquistadors demanded labour from natives.