For the Clintons, there are clear advantages to building an alliance with Castro. A young and dynamic figure who broke onto the national scene with his keynote address at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, Castro is arguably the only Hispanic Democrat with a broad following. Although his background as a Mexican American could have broad appeal to Hispanic voters, Castro does not speak fluent Spanish.

Assuming Clinton runs for president, keeping Castro and his brother on her side is key because any sign of wavering in their support of her candidacy during the Democratic primaries could complicate her attempts to court the increasingly influential Hispanic electorate.

Should Clinton win the Democratic nomination, Castro could find himself on Clinton’s vice presidential short list. Clinton may face pressure to select a Hispanic running mate, especially considering that the Republican Party could field two Latino presidential candidates, Sens. Marco Rubio (Fla.) and Ted Cruz (Tex.). Other Latino Republicans, including New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez and Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval, have been mentioned as potential vice presidential candidates.