Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are locked in an intense battle for control of the Latino vote as the critical Democratic primary in California looms over the next two weeks.

With some estimates having the Latino vote accounting for as much as 20 percent of the total vote in the June 7, showdown, every vote seems pivotal, particularly for Sanders, who most early polls have trailing the former Secretary of State across the region.

Sanders Supporter Remain Optimistic

Such news has done little to dampen the enthusiasm of supporters for the liberal-minded Vermont senator, who on almost any given day has throngs of supporters blanketing Hispanic communities trumpeting his message.

"I don't ever feel like I believe politicians, but I believe him," said 35-year-old Mercedes Hart, who describes herself as once having lived in Mexico and now being a first time voter who has gravitated to Sanders' message of income inequality.

In recent weeks, the California primary has taken on more significance given Sanders' strong showing is such contests as Indiana, West Virginia and Oregon.

Back in 2008, Clinton won the Hispanic vote in California by a 2-1 margin over eventual Democratic nominee and President elect Barack Obama. If recent polls are a true indicator, her race with Sanders figures to be much closer.

A Field Poll taken in April shows Clinton leading Sanders by just seven points among Latinos in California overall, while Sanders was the choice of Latinos under age 40 by a nearly 3-to-1 margin.

Data shows Latino voters between the ages of 18 and 29 also appear to be leaning in Sanders' direction.

Clinton has Support of Most Local Pols

Meanwhile, Clinton can count on the endorsements of nearly a;; endorsements of the state's top Latino politicians, including former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Secretary of State Alex Padilla and U.S. Rep. Xavier Becerra, who heads the House Democratic Caucus.

This past week, she added the support of Latino icon Dolores Huerta, who also serves as co-founder of the United Farm Workers organization.

On the issue of immigration, both Clinton and Sanders have pledged support for a path toward immigration reform.

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