As Puerto Ricans' numbers grow in Florida, Hurricane Maria becomes pivotal campaign issue

As Puerto Ricans’ numbers grow in Florida, Hurricane Maria becomes pivotal campaign issue
"We're a highly motivated vote, because Trump and the Republican Congress failed Puerto Rico."
Stephanie Griffith
Jun 3, 2018, 10:38 am


Puerto Ricans hit by Hurricane Maria often complained that they were not treated by the Trump administration like full-fledged U.S. citizens. Now thousands have relocated to Florida after fleeing the devastating storm and are preparing to flex their political clout at the ballot box this November.

Puerto Ricans who leave the island are eligible to vote as soon as they establish residency on the U.S. mainland, making them an immediate potential political force in the midterms.

The hurricane in Puerto Rico nine months ago has become a major campaign issue across Florida, home to a large Puerto Rican diaspora community that has grown substantially since the category four storm ravaged the island last September, which sustained $100 billion in damage.

For many new arrivals — and for their family members already established in the United States — the federal government’s handling of the hurricane recovery back in Puerto Rico will determine which party they register for, and how they vote in November.



“It used to be difficult to explain the difference between Democrats and Republicans with new arrivals from the island. Now we simply ask, ‘Do you support or oppose Donald Trump?’” he said.

“You can imagine how many people say they oppose. ‘So you’re a Democrat.’ And it makes the decision much more crystallized now.”

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https://thinkprogress.org/as-puerto-ricans-numbers-grow-in-florida-hurricane-maria-becomes-pivotal-campaign-issue-15a296389392/