Puerto Rican Voters in Pennsylvania: A Crucial Demographic in 2024 Election

The recent Puerto Rican Day parade in Reading, Pennsylvania, held on September 8, 2024, showcased the political divide among Latino voters in this crucial battleground state. As the third-largest Puerto Rican population outside the island, Pennsylvania's Puerto Rican community is poised to play a significant role in the upcoming presidential election.

The parade, typically a celebration of Puerto Rican culture, became a microcosm of the broader political landscape. Supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump clashed at the event, highlighting the intense competition for Latino votes in the state.

Pennsylvania, home to over 615,000 eligible Latino voters, has been a key swing state in recent elections. In the 2020 presidential race, Joe Biden won the state by a narrow margin of approximately 80,000 votes, with strong support from Latino voters. However, the political landscape has shifted since then, with Harris now leading the Democratic ticket.

The Puerto Rican community in Pennsylvania faces unique challenges. As U.S. citizens by birth, Puerto Ricans can vote in presidential elections when residing on the mainland, despite being unable to do so on the island. This situation, stemming from the Jones-Shafroth Act of 1917, has led to increased political engagement among Puerto Rican voters in states like Pennsylvania.

Economic concerns are at the forefront of many voters' minds. Reading, with a poverty rate of nearly 30%, exemplifies the financial struggles faced by many in the community. Voters expressed mixed opinions on which candidate could best address these issues.

"I feel like I'm in between. I can see good in both of them."

Some voters, like Montalvo, remain undecided but are leaning towards Trump, citing a desire for change and potential economic improvements. Others, like her grandmother Doris Cordero, strongly oppose Trump due to his past actions, particularly his controversial response to Hurricane Maria in 2017.

The Harris campaign has been actively courting Latino voters, with Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff recently rallying support in nearby Allentown. Meanwhile, Trump's campaign has sought endorsements from Puerto Rican reggaeton stars, aiming to appeal to younger voters.

Despite the efforts of both campaigns, some Puerto Rican voters expressed disillusionment with the political process. This sentiment reflects broader concerns about voter engagement and the need for candidates to address the specific needs of the Puerto Rican community.

As the election approaches, the Puerto Rican vote in Pennsylvania remains crucial. With its unique blend of cultural ties to the island and mainland political concerns, this community's decision could significantly impact the outcome of the 2024 presidential race.