Donald Trump throws a paper towel roll as he visits the Cavalry Chapel in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico on October 3, 2017. | Source: MANDEL NGAN / Getty
Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican recording artist and megastar, shared his support for Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee, endorsing her latest ad targeting Puerto Rican voters with his 45.6 million followers on Instagram on Oct. 27.
Following disparaging remarks about Latinos and Puerto Rico made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at former President Donald Trump’s rally in New York City, Bad Bunny’s endorsement of Harris is significant, especially as both candidates are actively pursuing Latino voters in Pennsylvania, a key swing state with around 300,000 eligible Puerto Rican voters.
When considering Pennsylvania’s deindustrialized eastern counties like Northampton, often associated with Billy Joel’s “Allentown,” Bad Bunny’s influence, alongside other cultural figures, can help shed light on the political dynamics in the state, crucial for the upcoming presidential elections.
“Closing all the factories down”
Billy Joel’s song “Allentown”, recorded in 1982, highlighted the plight of workers affected by factory closures, particularly in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The region saw a decline in its industrial sector, leading to a loss of jobs and population in cities like Bethlehem, Hazleton, York, Reading, and Lancaster.
Despite the historical association with white factory workers, these cities have experienced a resurgence, largely due to the influx of Latino residents from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic since the 1990s. This demographic shift has not only revitalized these cities but also impacted their political landscape.
Growing Latino presence
Cities like Allentown and Bethlehem now have significant Latino populations, bringing diversity and new energy to these once-struggling industrial hubs. The presence of Latinos has played a crucial role in stabilizing these communities, contributing to their economic growth and cultural vibrancy.
With high percentages of Latino residents in cities like Allentown, Lancaster, York, and Reading, Pennsylvania showcases a unique demographic mix compared to other major cities in the U.S. This diversity has made the state a focal point for understanding the evolving political preferences and voting behaviors of Hispanic voters.
Driven by factors like job opportunities, affordable housing, and a close-knit community atmosphere, Latinos have chosen to settle in these cities, reshaping their social fabric and electoral dynamics. The influence of labor movements and Hispanic voter inclinations has further solidified the Democratic stronghold in these regions.
According to a 2022 Pew Research Center survey, a majority of Latino adults in the U.S. identify with the Democratic Party, highlighting the party’s alignment with the interests of the Latino community. This political leaning has translated into electoral support, especially in battleground states like Pennsylvania.
The increasing Latino population in Pennsylvania, which surpassed 1 million in the 2020 U.S. census, underscores the community’s growing influence in state and national politics. However, challenges related to voter registration and turnout remain prevalent among Latino voters compared to other racial groups.
While it may be simplistic to attribute electoral outcomes solely to one demographic, the shifting margins of key voter groups, such as Latinos in Pennsylvania, hold significant sway in determining the outcome of presidential elections.
Puerto Ricans lean Democrat
Among Latino subgroups, Puerto Ricans and Mexicans have exhibited strong allegiance to the Democratic Party, while Cubans veer towards the Republican Party, followed by Venezuelans. This varied partisan preference is reflected in the diverse Hispanic population across the U.S.
Pennsylvania’s Hispanic demographic composition deviates from the national average, with Puerto Ricans comprising a significant portion of the Latino population in the state. The concentration of Puerto Ricans in Pennsylvania, along with other Latino groups, underscores the state’s importance in shaping electoral outcomes.
Bad Bunny’s endorsement of Vice President Harris holds particular significance, given his Puerto Rican heritage and influence among Latino voters. His support, along with other cultural figures, has the potential to sway undecided voters and shape the electoral landscape, especially in states like Pennsylvania.
90,000 undecided votes?
Latino voters played a pivotal role in securing Pennsylvania for President Biden in 2020, with a significant majority supporting the Democratic candidate over Trump. The unresolved choices of approximately 90,000 Latino voters in the state highlight the importance of engaging with this critical voting bloc in upcoming elections.
A recent poll in Northampton County revealed Vice President Harris’s lead over Trump among Latino voters, indicating a potential electoral shift from the 2020 results. The undecided Latino voters in Pennsylvania could determine the margin of victory for presidential candidates, emphasizing the need to address their concerns and preferences.
The involvement of prominent Latino figures like Bad Bunny in endorsing political candidates underscores the significance of cultural influence in shaping electoral outcomes. Both political campaigns are actively courting the Latino community, recognizing their impact on deciding the next president.
The commitment of the Democratic National Committee to engage with Puerto Rican and other Latino voters in Pennsylvania underscores the strategic focus on mobilizing Hispanic communities in pivotal states like Pennsylvania, where their votes can tip the scales in tightly contested elections.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the influence of Latino voters, particularly in states like Pennsylvania, will remain a key factor in determining the future direction of U.S. politics.
This is an updated version of an article first published on Oct. 3, 2024.
A. K. Sandoval-Strausz, Professor of History, Penn State
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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FAQs
Q: How many eligible Puerto Rican voters are there in Pennsylvania?
A: Pennsylvania is home to around 300,000 eligible Puerto Rican voters, making them a significant demographic in the state’s electoral landscape.
Q: What impact do Latino voters have on Pennsylvania’s political dynamics?
A: Latino voters, particularly Puerto Ricans and Mexicans, play a crucial role in shaping Pennsylvania’s political landscape, with their preferences influencing electoral outcomes, especially in closely contested races.
Q: Why is the engagement of Latino voters important in states like Pennsylvania?
A: Latino voters represent a growing segment of the electorate in Pennsylvania, and their engagement is vital for political campaigns seeking to secure their support and ultimately win key elections in the state.
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