As the 2024 U.S. presidential race heats up, Pennsylvania has emerged as a pivotal battleground state where Latino voters, especially Puerto Ricans, hold significant influence. With nearly 580,000 eligible Latino voters in Pennsylvania, half of whom are Puerto Rican, both parties are vying for their support. Notably, Puerto Ricans who moved to the mainland after Hurricane Maria in 2017 are new voters impacted by past federal responses to Puerto Rico’s crises.
Campaigns by Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have seen increased focus on Latino outreach, including endorsements from reggaeton artists like Bad Bunny and Anuel, popular among younger Latino audiences. While many Latino voters historically lean Democratic, economic concerns and immigration issues are shifting perspectives, with more considering conservative options. For individuals like Jackeline Torres and Gardner Mojica, voting decisions reflect personal experiences and community priorities, with concerns over inflation, economic opportunities, and government response to Puerto Rico’s needs shaping their choices.
In this close contest, the active participation of Puerto Rican voters in Pennsylvania could be the deciding factor. Advocates like Isamac Torres-Figueroa and Angel Torres emphasize the importance of mobilizing local communities, highlighting that the voices of these smaller, yet influential groups may determine the outcome on November 5.
