Puerto Rico and U.S. Presidential Elections: What to Know About the Island's Role

Puerto Rico and U.S. Presidential Elections: What to Know About the Island's Role

Residents in Puerto Rico who were outraged by recent comments from comedian Tony Hinchcliffe during a rally for Donald Trump in New York City won’t have a chance to express their views in the upcoming presidential election. Though Puerto Rico's residents cannot vote for the president in November, they can still play an essential role in shaping the primary race and influencing the wider Latino vote in the U.S.

Tony Hinchcliffe's Controversial Remarks on Puerto Rico

During Trump’s campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who goes by "Kill Tony" on stage, made a derogatory comment about Puerto Rico, calling it a "floating island of garbage." His remarks quickly sparked backlash from both Democrats and Republicans, leading Trump’s campaign to distance itself from the comedian's comments. Senior Trump advisor Danielle Alvarez emphasized that Hinchcliffe’s words did not reflect the views of either Trump or his campaign.

Puerto Rican celebrities and political figures also voiced their disapproval. Bad Bunny and Ricky Martin, prominent Puerto Rican musicians, expressed outrage, and Bad Bunny even shared a video on his social media, showing Vice President Kamala Harris’s criticism of Trump’s handling of Puerto Rico during his previous term.

Can Puerto Ricans Vote in the Presidential Election?

While Puerto Rico’s residents are U.S. citizens, they cannot vote in the presidential election because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, not a state. Approximately 3.3 million people live on the island and are unable to participate in the general election. However, Puerto Ricans living in the U.S.—around 5.8 million, according to the Pew Research Center—are eligible to vote and make up a significant portion of Latino voters in key battleground states like Pennsylvania.

Puerto Ricans who have moved to the mainland U.S. can play a pivotal role in shaping the election. Their numbers are influential, especially in states where Latino voters can make a critical difference in determining the next president.

Puerto Rico’s Role in U.S. Primaries

Although they cannot vote in the general election, Puerto Rico residents participate in the primary elections to select each party’s nominee for president. In fact, Trump won Puerto Rico’s 2024 Republican primary, securing 23 delegates from the territory. These delegates contribute to the overall count that determines each party’s candidate for the presidency, allowing Puerto Rico’s residents to have some impact on the presidential selection process.

Puerto Rico’s Recent History and Trump’s Controversial Responses

Puerto Rico’s recent past has been marked by natural disasters and economic challenges. During Trump’s presidency, the island was hit by two major hurricanes in 2017 that left severe damage and a death toll of over 3,000 people. Many criticized Trump for his response to the crisis, particularly when a viral image surfaced of him tossing paper towels to residents—a move that many felt downplayed the severity of the situation.

This history has influenced Puerto Rican sentiment toward Trump, and many island residents remember these incidents as they hear Trump’s name in connection with the current election cycle.

Puerto Rico’s Upcoming Gubernatorial Election

In addition to its role in the U.S. primary, Puerto Rico faces its own gubernatorial election in November. The New Progressive Party currently leads the race, with many Puerto Ricans focused on choosing a governor who can address the island’s ongoing challenges, including economic recovery and infrastructure improvements.

Latino Voters and the 2024 Presidential Race

Latino voters are a growing force in U.S. elections, and Puerto Ricans, both on the mainland and the island, are a vital part of this demographic. Trump's campaign has actively sought Latino support, gaining endorsements from Puerto Rican artists such as Anuel AA and Nicky Jam. While Trump's support is notable among some Latino groups, his relationship with Puerto Rican voters is complicated by past controversies and recent statements by his supporters.

The Impact of Celebrity Support and Criticism

Celebrities and political figures have significant influence, especially among younger voters. Bad Bunny, who boasts a following of over 45 million on Instagram, leveraged his platform to address concerns about Trump’s history with Puerto Rico. Figures like Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have also voiced concerns, urging Puerto Ricans in battleground states to consider their options carefully.

While Puerto Rico residents won’t directly vote for the next president, their voices echo through their family and friends on the mainland, impacting a broader network of Latino voters. As both Trump and his opponent vie for support, Puerto Rico remains a significant talking point, highlighting both the power and the limitations of U.S. territories in presidential elections.