Republican and Democratic Campaigns Battle for Latino Votes in PA
Both Republican and Democratic campaigns are making serious efforts to court Latino voters, especially in battleground states like Pennsylvania, which holds a crucial 18 electoral votes. With Latinos making up a significant portion of the population— of which about 50% of whom are Puerto Rican—this demographic could tip the scales for either party.
In an attempt to connect with this community, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have been reaching out to prominent Puerto Rican figures. In late August, reggaeton artists Anuel AA and Justin Quiles joined Trump at a Pennsylvania rally, where Anuel endorsed Trump, urging Puerto Ricans to support him. He stated, “Trump wants to help Puerto Rico grow and succeed.”
Anuel AA, a chart-topping artist with several No. 1 albums, and Quiles, known for his own hits, might not be familiar to everyone outside the Latin music world, but they hold significant influence. Trump, however, humorously admitted his unfamiliarity with the artists, saying, “I don’t know if these people know who the hell you are, but it’s good for the Puerto Rican vote.”
At another rally, Trump had a similar mix-up, this time with Puerto Rican artist Nicky Jam, mistakenly referring to him as a woman. Despite the misstep, Nicky Jam voiced his support for Trump, which triggered backlash from fans and fellow Latino artists. Social media buzzed with criticism, and even the Mexican band Mana distanced itself from Nicky Jam by removing a previous collaboration, citing opposition to “racism.”
Meanwhile, the Democrats have also stepped up their efforts. In September, Harris’s campaign enlisted Puerto Rican actors Liza Colon-Zayas and Anthony Ramos to speak at a rally in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Colon-Zayas reminded attendees of Trump’s controversial response to Hurricane Maria, recalling how he delayed $20 billion in hurricane aid and famously tossed paper towels to storm survivors. Trump’s past comments and actions toward Puerto Rico remain a sticking point for many in the Latino community.
Trump’s support among Latinos is growing, though. A recent NBC/Telemundo poll showed 40% of Latino voters backing him, up from 32% in 2020. His campaign seems to resonate particularly with younger Latinos and conservative religious communities. On the other hand, Harris has yet to lay out clear plans for Puerto Rico, and the Biden administration has faced its own struggles in addressing the island’s needs, particularly in hurricane recovery.
Both campaigns are using surrogates that reflect different Latino voter bases. Trump’s appeal skews towards younger, more conservative Latino men, while Harris aligns with more mainstream, assimilated figures. But what both sides share is a need for more genuine, culturally competent engagement.
Puerto Rican voters in Pennsylvania are yearning for authentic outreach, according to Ray Collazo, executive director of the UnidosUS Action Fund. Both campaigns, he argues, need to invest more in direct voter contact that resonates with these communities.
As November approaches, it’s clear that Latino voters, particularly Puerto Ricans, could play a decisive role in the outcome of the 2024 election.
