As the demographics of the United States grow more diverse, this year's Republican National Convention remained predominantly white when it came to the delegates the event drew. For New York Republicans, that's something that has to change. 

"Obviously, I want to have a diverse party. The more people we can get engaged, the better," said state Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan. "We should have a natural affinity with the Hispanic community. I feel like part of my obligation as a Republican leader is to do that."

But it's potentially a problem for a party that's nominated Donald Trump, who has spoken critically of Mexican immigrants and Muslims. 

"Obviously there's always been some concern about rhetoric," said Rep. Tom Reed. "But I think a lot of is driven by the media and interpretation. You know when I hear about a wall, I hear that it's about keeping us safe."

And then there are issues like law enforcement and the pitched battle over policing. The convention has included speakers like former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who has been critical of the Black Lives Matter movement. 

"I can't imagine why black voters would be offended by my comments on crime since I save more black lives as mayor of New York City than any mayor in the history of the city," Giuliani said.

Other Republicans say there's a chance for the GOP to appeal to minority voters on issues like education. 

"We have a great message for inner-city minority communities," said state GOP Chair Ed Cox. "We have the high ground on the civil rights issue of our time: Education. School choice. Charter schools. Let's build up our parochial schools."

Several years ago, Trump suggested the controversial and debunked theory that President Obama wasn't born in the United States, angering black voters. But the Rev. Michael Faulkner, a black Republican who is running for New York City mayor, says Trump is no racist. 

"Donald gets it. He's a businessman," Faulkner said. "He's never been accused of not hiring somebody or advancing somebody because of the color of their skin. He's been accused of a lot of things, but that's not one of them." 

After the 2012 election, national Republicans urged candidates to adopt a more welcoming tone for Hispanics. Some Republicans now fear that advice was not heeded, to the detriment of the party.