From Corridos to Ballads: Latin Songs Penned for Presidential Candidates

Just days before the Nov. 5 presidential elections in the United States, La Original Banda El Limón released a corrido inspired by and dedicated to Vice President Kamala Harris.

As is tradition, the corrido, titled “Señora Presidenta” (or Madame President in English), narrates the life story of Harris, who is the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee. In the three-minute song, powered by banda instruments like trumpets and clarinets, the group sings about Harris’ humble background and the force she’s become as a political leader. “She comes from a humble place to fight for her people,” the song begins. “She was born in Oakland, daughter to immigrant parents. Madame President. Her name is Kamala Harris.”

Juan Barboza Lizárraga, leader of La Original Banda El Limón, explained in a statement about their decision to release a song for Harris and officially endorse a candidate for president: “Our culture, traditions and music are beautiful and powerful just like our community. We hope that in these final moments, the song inspires our community to embrace our strength and together to show up in a critical moment. This song reflects the values of our community and our vision for a future where people matter.”

It’s not the first time that a regional Mexican act has released a corrido in support of a U.S. presidential candidate. In 2016, ranchera icon Vicente Fernández endorsed then Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton through song. In “El Corrido de Hillary Clinton,” Fernández sings about Latin pride and urges the Latin community to vote for Clinton. “I remind you, brother, that we have to work hand in hand, until we assure the victory for Hillary Clinton.”

Even Donald Trump, who has in the past insulted the Latin community, launching his 2016 presidential run with racist remarks toward the Mexican community calling them “rapists” and “criminals,” got his own corrido. The accordion-powered song was released over the summer after Trump’s assassination attempt in July.

And it’s not just in the States that artists have been compelled to release songs for specific presidential candidates. In Mexico, Vivir Quintana released “Compañera Presidenta,” dedicated to candidates Xóchitl Gálvez and Claudia Sheinbaum, the latter won the presidency and became the first-ever female president of the country.

Whether these songs can help swing an election or inspire undecided voters to cast a ballot, that’s unclear. But as the race for president in the U.S. — one of the most consequential elections in recent memory — comes to an end, a number of Latin acts have been using their platforms to amplify candidates.

Below, a handful of Spanish-language songs that have been released over the past few years for presidential candidates in the U.S. and beyond.