In political circles, 2024 may be best remembered for the election that pulled back the curtain on the perception that there’s a monolithic Puerto Rican vote tied to the Democratic party.
The recognition of Puerto Rican support for Republicans is a significant development in the Puerto Rico status debate. After all, a well-trodden argument against Puerto Rican statehood made by Republicans is that the new state would be solidly Democratic. Recent election results bring this claim into question.
The truth of the matter is that partisan lines cannot be neatly drawn around the Puerto Rico status debate. There are clearly supporters of statehood on both sides of the aisle, both Republicans and Democrats. There are also statehood opponents on both sides of the political divide. Some Democrats hold onto the discredited fantasy of “enhanced commonwealth” or may be moving towards independence instead of statehood, albeit as part of a dubious arrangement that proposes to expand U.S. citizenship in a sovereign nation as never before. Meanwhile, some Republicans may continue to claim that statehood for Puerto Rico would favor Democrats and reject any possibility of it, even though the view through this political prism may be inaccurate.
Yet partisan assertions continue. One author has labeled pro-statehood efforts “a ploy for Democratic seats in Congress.” Historic Puerto Rican voting behavior in Florida and now the 2024 election trends cast some doubt on the premise that Puerto Ricans would be a monolithic Democratic voting block. A close examination of the statehood issue shows that tactitions for and against statehood can’t be so neatly categorized into either political camp.
Republican Support For Puerto Rican Statehood: The Past and Present
As an initial matter, it has never been true that only Democrats favor Puerto Rico statehood. Republicans have gotten in on the action as well, both on the mainland and on the island:
- Puerto Rico Elects Republican Leaders. For evidence, one need look no farther than Governor-elect and current Resident Commissioner Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon (R), who has been serving the people of Puerto Rico island-wide since 2017. Gonzalez-Colon follows in the footsteps of Republican Luis Fortuno, who similarly served as Governor (2009-2013) and Resident Commissioner (2005-2009) of Puerto Rico.
- The Republican Party of Puerto Rico Supports Statehood. Republican leaders from Puerto Rico have been unwavering over the years in their calls for statehood. In 2012, the Republican Party of Puerto Rico published a report called “The Case for Statehood,” which laid out the party’s arguments in favor of statehood. The current website of the Republican Party of Puerto Rico continues with the same message, stating that the Party supports “the highest ideological aspiration: statehood.”
- The U.S. Republican Party has Supported Puerto Rico Statehood. The Republican Party of Puerto Rico joined the national Republican Party in 1903. The national Republican Party explicitly supported statehood for Puerto Rico in its platform for over a century. Past Republican Presidents, such as George H.W. Bush, Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford, strongly supported Puerto Rico statehood, and the 2024 Republican platform recognizes and encourages “greater participation” of all U.S. territories “in all aspects of the political process.”
- Individual U.S. Republican Leaders Support Puerto Rico Statehood.In 2021, when Sen. Heinrich (D-NM) introduced Puerto Rico status legislation, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) pointed out to his Senate colleagues that “American citizens in Puerto Rico have democratically expressed their support for becoming a state,” and urged his Senate colleagues “to keep an open mind and learn more about statehood before taking a firm position in opposition.” He similarly committed to “continue to do [his] part to one day achieve the 60 votes needed in the Senate for admission.” His Senate colleague, Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) has been equally clear in his conviction that Puerto Rico “will eventually be a state.” The two Florida Senators have company in the House of Representatives, where fourteen Republican Members of Congress have joined Republican Resident Commissioner Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon in supporting the Puerto Rico Status Act, which offers a statehood option in a Puerto Rican plebiscite. The cosponsors represent several states and U.S. territories:
- Florida – Rep. Maria Salazar (R), Rep. Bill Posey (R), and Rep. Cory Mills (R)
- New York – Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R), Rep. Michael Lawler (R), Rep. Nicole Malliotakis(R), and Rep. Claudia Tenney (R)
- Pennsylvania – Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R)
- U.S. Territories – Del. Amata Radewagen (R-AS), and Del. James Moylan (R-GU)
- Nebraska – Rep. Don Bacon (R)
- Oregon – Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R)
- Michigan – Rep. Bill Huizenga (R)
- West Virginia – Rep. Alex Mooney (R)
- Puerto Ricans in Florida Support Both Statehood and the Republican Party. Florida is now home to more Puerto Ricans than any other state, including New York. In 2021, conservative Florida think tank the James Madison Institute observed that “[f]ew mainland politicians really understand or study the issues surrounding Puerto Rican statehood. But if they want to win Florida — and that means winning the all-important region of Central Florida where so many Puerto Ricans now live — they need to start.” This warning proved prescient in the 2022 midterms, when Ron DeSantis and Marco Rubio both swept into victories, DeSantis as Governor of Florida and Rubio keeping his seat in the Senate. Both were supported by Puerto Rican voters in Florida. Similar to 2024 results, while early polls showed Puerto Rican voters trending toward Democratic candidates in 2022, that’s not how election night played out. The entire Bush dynasty – former Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, as well as former Florida Governor Jeb Bush – are well aware of this political dynamic and have embraced it.
Democratic Reluctance to Embrace Puerto Rico Statehood
Just as Puerto Rican support for Republicans has tended to fly under the radar, historic Democratic support for Puerto Rico statehood tends to be overstated. The reality is that partisan Democrats have often been attracted to the notion of an “enhanced” or “developed” “commonwealth” instead, and the gravitational pull of this concept, as elusive as it may be, pressures Party leaders away from full endorsement of statehood.
- The Democratic Party of Puerto Rico is mixed. While the Republican Party of Puerto Rico is monolithic in its support for statehood, only some Democrats in Puerto Rico are firm statehood champions, such as former Resident Commissioner and Governor Pedro Pierluisi. Other Democrats, like incoming Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera, have aligned more closely with the developed “commonwealth” position, advocating for the best of both worlds – the power of statehood with additional rights of an independent nation.
- Some Democratic Leaders of Puerto Rican Heritage Strongly Oppose Statehood. Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), the first Puerto Rican woman to serve in Congress and one of the institution’s most outspoken advocates on the topic of Puerto Rico status is a strong opponent of statehood, historically favoring “commonwealth” but increasingly aligning herself with the independence movement. Luis Gutierrez, a former Democratic congressman, introduced an independence bill for Puerto Rico in 2017. The former congressman was born and raised in Chicago.
- Democratic Presidents Tend to Be Skittish in Expressing Support for Statehood. Reflecting competing influences within the Democratic Party between statehood and enhanced or developed “commonwealth,” the Democratic Party tends to endorse “Puerto Rico self determination” without picking a side, and Democratic Presidents tend to follow suit. In the last report of the President’s Task Force on Puerto Rico’s Status, released in 2011, the Obama White House signaled a Constitutional problem with “commonwealth,” but he stopped short of explicitly endorsing statehood, perhaps to avoid invoking the ire of the “commonwealth” supporters.
The Bottom Line
While statehood is a bipartisan cause, there are and have been Democrats who oppose it, just as there are and have been Republicans who do so. The issue continues to evolve. In light of this fluidity, it may be helpful to keep in mind the admittance of Hawaii and Alaska into the U.S., which came as a pair, with Hawaii expected to trend Republican and Alaska predicted to vote Democratic. Neither prediction panned out. Support may ultimately simply be awarded to the political party that fights the hardest for the U.S. territory’s full acceptance as an equal part of the nation.
HI! Those that erroneously say that PR won’t vote Republican are trying to change the focus because they don’t support Equal Civil Rights or a VOTE to end the Federal Undemocratic Status (like Trump on Video)–FACTS: AmeRICANS under Federal Suppression (since 1898)! (Support-EQUAL CIVIL RIGHTS; END PR’s UNJUST FEDERAL STATUS!)
Since 1898 (for over 126+ years), the Federal Government has kept the US Territory of Puerto Rico (PR)-(with more US Citizens-US Veterans than 21 States)–under undemocratic control (with NO Federal “consent of the governed”)-as the US Constitution is NOT fully applied to PR (part of “We the People”)! Thus, WE Patriots demand full Equal Civil Rights/ Fairness for ALL; revocation of unjust Laws; Federal Action (a Plebiscite) to END PR’s unfair Territorial Status!
“The Federal Government should be the Servant of ALL the People; NOT the Master of some!”
FACTS are: Today, millions of PR-2d Class US Citizens-US Veterans don’t have full Civil Rights—like NO Vote for US President; NO just Representation in US Congress; NO Parity in Federal Laws, Programs, or Funding (for Veterans, Social Security, MEDICARE, MEDICAID, Infrastructure, Education, SSI, and other programs) that other US Citizens fully get; NO permanent statutory US Citizenship (even if moving to a State), etc.!
++Plus, the Federal Government unfairly controls PR’s Borders, Currency, Laws, Security, Economy, Trade, etc.—under the old Territorial Clause (of 1787); unjust racist Insular Cases (of 1901-1925+); other biased Laws.
++Besides, Puerto Ricans face a magna CRISIS; Exodus to the States–which major ROOT components are: Jobs, Economy, Security, Infrastructure, and Federal undemocratic Territorial Status—where each PART affects the other. The unfair Territorial status affects everything; brings instability…; ties PR’s Hands to fairly compete-grow the Economy; limits progress; goes against our US Democratic core values & principles; is Un-American!
“WE THE PEOPLE come first; not Federal institutional discrimination!”
In our US Republic, the power should reside with all “We the People” (made up by Individuals)–per our Declaration of Independence that calls for “Consent of the Governed”; noble US Constitution that calls for Equal Rights-Fairness, and a Republican form of Government or a Representative Democracy! This is a Patriotic just cause to END a Federal separate/ segregated, & unequal biased Status!
“NO Federal VOTE or just Representation = NO Democracy or a Tyranny of a Majority!”
Our Federal Government can end this unjust inequity now; amend/revoke unfair Laws that limit progress. But instead, some politically distort; spin; stereotype; misinform; provide meritless/biased EXCUSES that blame the Victim; create double standards not applied to Other US Citizens! This results in confusion & stalemate–that perpetuates Federal subjugation!
You can’t have both ways (either support Equal Rights or Federal Discrimination)!
Puerto Ricans have loyally contributed to the development of our USA; defended our US Flag; cherish their US Citizenship; & have voted (2012, 2017, 2020, & 2024) to END the unjust Territorial Status as STATEHOOD has won all these local Plebiscites (last one with 57% of the Vote). But, US Congress has not acted to end Federal undemocratic control.
“Silence to Federal suppression; supports injustice!”
Fix/Focus: THE TIME IS NOW to revoke biased or unjust Laws; END PR’s unjust Territorial Status through a fair Federal democratic Plebiscite with well-defined/viable Non-Territorial Options, which are:
*STATEHOOD-MEANS: Admission to our diverse “UNION of STATES”—united under our US Constitution, Laws, & Representative Democracy; EQUAL & permanent US Citizenship with– full Rights, Benefits, and Responsibilities;
PR-STATE Identity, Constitution, Flag, Sovereignty, etc.–as other States & US Citizens have under our noble US Flag…
*INDEPENDENCE- MEANS: Puerto Rico National Sovereignty; PR Constitution/Laws, PR Citizenship…; with loss of US Constitution & statutory US Citizenship, Rights, and Benefits…
*INDEPENDENCE with Free Association PACT-MEANS: Puerto Rico National Sovereignty; PR Constitution/ Laws, PR Citizenship…; with loss of US Constitution & statutory US Citizenship, Rights, and Benefits… But, with a negotiated PACT between Independent Nations on Terms (like trade, defense, etc.) that can be terminated by either side.
++HR-2757/S.3232-“The PR Status Act” needs to be amended to reflect proper Status definitions (per above) OR do a clear new bill-“PR Fair Status Act”/“PR Democracy Status Act” that is more in line with our US Constitution, & US Supreme Court decisions…
“En la UNIÓN está la Fuerza!” (“We are Stronger with a Union of States!”)
Our US (a diverse Union of sovereign States-with own identity) is the best in the World—where each State complements each other; is stronger than by it-self …! UNITED, under our US Constitution/Flag–brings more Progress for the Good of All!
Best Option: “PR EQUALITY & PROGRESS with STATEHOOD!”
Only STATEHOOD guarantees a permanent statutory US Citizenship as “statutory” US Citizens (includes in a State)—don’t have a permanent US Citizenship–because it’s not based on the 14th Amendment, but, its source is the Territorial Clause & racist Insular Cases. Thus, the US Congress must protect those in the States or let them Vote in any Plebiscite.
“Puerto Ricans Sacrifice & Contribute to our diverse, but, United-USA since 1513!”
US Puerto Ricans (PR) are about 9m strong (most live in the States-Florida) as they are integrated; sacrifice, and loyally contribute (in all fields of endeavor-since 1898) to our diverse USA/ UNITED Ethnic Groups). PR patriotically sheds sweat, blood, and tears for our US Flag (WWI; WW-II; Cold War, Korea; Vietnam; Global War on Terrorism…until today); serves as a Strategic Defense Outpost-protecting the South-East approach to our USA–counter-acting, in the Caribbean & other places- threats to our National Security; has restructured its debt as its Economy grows, etc.
Also, Hispanic-PR Ancestors (1st Governor of PR) came from PR to Florida (in 1513)-107 years before the Pilgrims; others fought in the US War of Independence (1776); brought Christianity and other good things to our now USA. PR- serves as a Commercial, Security, & Diplomatic Bridge to Hispanic America; pays more Federal taxes than 6 States; has a better GDP than 14 States; is a US Market that creates about a million US Jobs; has the best Income per Capita than 32 Latin American Nations. PR helps grow our economy & protect our noble “UNION”—the best in the annuals of History!
But, Hispanic-Puerto Ricans are being treated unjustly by their Federal Government-Legislative, Executive & Judicial-that, at times, misinterpret our evolving US Constitution that today, WE OWN! Plus, some say: “All People are Equal” but, mean: “Some People are more Equal than Others”! In our US Republic– the power should reside with (like Lincoln said)-“a Government of the People, by the People, and for the People”!
“God Bless our diverse/united/noble USA!”
Support Equal Civil Rights; a Representative Democracy for all-include US Citizens-US Veterans in PR! Let’s UNITE, based on Merit, with Truth, Reason, and Civic Action for the Good of All “We The People”-Family, USA, and Humanity!
+NOTES/ Some PR Key Points–
US Citizenship (Types/Basis/Sources):
1. Individual Birthright (permanent) Citizenship-“jus soli” (right of soil) per 14th Amendment-States: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States…are citizens of the US and of the State wherein they reside.” US Territories or Unincorporated Insular Possessions–are NOT mentioned nor have full Constitutional Rights/ Equal protection…(See “Insular Cases”/Other)
2. Individual Naturalization (permanent) US Citizenship-per 14th Amendment–process through which immigrants from other Countries can also become US Citizens if they wish to (8 USC Code-Naturalization)…(PR, under US jurisdiction, isn’t included.)
3. Acquired Citizenship (“jus sanguinis”-right of blood by descent) – those born in other Countries that acquired US Citizenship from their US Citizen Parents-… (per US Congress-8 USC Code)
4. Collective (non-permanent) Statutory US Citizenship-(PR)-per the US Territorial Clause & Insular Cases (1901-1925+)- led to the PR-Jones Act (1917); 8 USC Code §1402 (which can be amended or revoked or ENDs upon Independence).
+The US Supreme Court (racist Insular Cases)- has wrongly established that the US Constitution doesn’t fully apply to Puerto Rico, except for some broad rights that have not been defined (+Harris v Rosario-1980/Other biased Cases).
• Territorial Clause (Article 4-PR Status, not ELA), states: “US Congress shall have the Power to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations respecting the Territory or other Property that belongs to the US.” (Is Un-democratic/outdated).
• USSC Insular Cases (1901-1925+ based on racism)-states unjustly-*“Puerto Rico is an “unincorporated US Territory; more foreign than domestic, belongs to, but, is not part of the US (soil)…”– resulting in a permanent “Separate and Un-Equal Status”/ 2d Class US Citizenship which goes against American core values/principles; a Representative Democracy!
*This isn’t in our US Constitution; is nonsensical/unjust legal gibberish or double standards NOT applied to other US Territories before PR; are based on Racism by same Court of “Plessy vs Ferguson”(Black discrimination); condemned as unconstitutional by Justice Marshall, Gorsuch, Sotomayor, US Justice Dept., and Others who support revoking them.
• Jones (Merchant Marine) Act (1920)-is outdated; stifles competition, etc.; plus, unfairly imposes higher costs on Puerto Ricans who pay 40% of total; badly hurts the Economy/Progress; as a majority of States, don’t pay this unfair hidden US shipping tax.
• PR lack of Parity in US Laws-Since 1898-results in the loss of about $300 Billion in Federal funds that other US Citizens get!
• PR is a US Territory under the US Congress. “Commonwealth” or “ELA (Free Associated State)” has NO legal meaning-are political distorted (cover up) terms that confuse or fool People as to the true Constitutional Status. (The US Congress is not above the US Constitution to create a new Status or give up its Territorial Clause powers.)
• Free Association is a Pact between Independent Nations (with own Citizenship), like: Marshal Islands, Palau, & Micronesia.
“Even if one US Citizen can’t vote; is one too many!”
The Federal Government must ensure—Fairness/Justice-full Civil Rights for all “We the People” (who come first)/ “consent of the governed”; a just Representative Democracy as it takes action to: (1) Revoke unjust Laws that are biased or undemocratic: (like-Insular Cases, 1920 Jones Act, & Others (2) Amend US Constitution (make better) — adopt: “US Citizens’ Equal Rights-Protection Clause” that treats all US Citizens equally-no matter the residency, under our noble US Flag (3) revoke or amend the unjust Territorial Clause, etc.
“UNITED, with Facts, Truth and Reason, for the Good of ALL!”
+CONTACT/Educate/Inform (based on FACTS): MEDIA/Federal Government: https://www.house.gov/representatives
Senate: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm President: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact