AZ Republicans Make a Compelling Case for Puerto Rico’s Statehood as a GOP Priority

In the 2022 elections, Arizona’s Latino voters demonstrated a notable shift towards the Republican Party, surprising many across the nation. This change reflected a broader trend, but in Arizona, Republicans engaged with Latino constituents effectively, focusing on their genuine concerns rather than imposing an agenda.

Donald Trump’s victory in Arizona can be partly attributed to heightened support from Latino voters. In Santa Cruz County, where 85% of the population is Hispanic, Trump saw an 8-point increase from 2020. Yuma County, with a 60% Hispanic demographic, registered a 13-point rise in his support. These figures mark significant milestones for the GOP in recent electoral history.

The Republican Party should take note of the factors contributing to this shift. Trump successfully addressed issues like inflation, crime, and traditional family values instead of leaning into identity politics. His message on immigration also resonated, as many Latino voters prioritized border safety. The outreach efforts by Arizona Republicans and Trump focused on what mattered most to these communities, resulting in record-breaking support.

This shift isn’t isolated to Arizona. Across the country, there is evidence of increasing Republican support among Latino voters, including Puerto Ricans. In recent elections, Puerto Ricans demonstrated a strong inclination to support Republican candidates, including Jenniffer González-Colón, who is aligned with Trump and won the governorship in Puerto Rico.

As Puerto Ricans voiced their desire for statehood, their enthusiasm for Republican candidates grew. In elections stretching back to 2012, they consistently supported statehood, yet their aspirations have largely been overlooked by Washington politicians. It’s crucial for Republicans to heed these signals and advocate for Puerto Rican statehood, as it aligns with their successful strategy in Arizona.

Contrary to the belief that Puerto Rico would predominantly send Democrats to Congress, recent patterns suggest otherwise. Republicans must recognize and act upon the changing political landscape, understanding that supporting Puerto Rican statehood could bolster their standing both locally and nationally.

Trump once remarked, “We’re one people, one family and one glorious nation under God.” Embracing Puerto Rico as an integral part of this family aligns with the interests of the Republican Party and the nation as a whole. Encouraging statehood for Puerto Rico could mark a significant evolution in party strategy and outreach.

Jaime Molera, a former Arizona superintendent of public instruction, expresses the need for Republicans to acknowledge and engage with these communities moving forward.