PUERTO RICO (WABC) — Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani traveled to Puerto Rico this week, where they joined other elected officials for the annual Somos Conference and discussed support for the U.S. territory following Democrats’ midterm election victories.
The two leaders appeared together Tuesday and spoke optimistically about the political landscape following what they described as a Democratic “blue wave.”
Mamdani said the election results could create new opportunities for working-class Americans.
“There’s a potential in that, that we can finally start to deliver for working class people across this country,” said Mamdani.
Hochul said she hopes the federal government will renew its commitment to Puerto Rico.
“It’s a whole new day of responsibility of the federal government to Puerto Rico. And what we’ve seen over the last two years is really an abandonment of that commitment and we hope to have all those wounds heal,” said Hochul.
The governor’s remarks came after Democrats swept the midterm elections, a result she said would help provide accountability and strengthen support for Puerto Rico.
Hochul and Mamdani were among a group of elected officials attending the annual conference on the island, which has faced challenges including chronic power outages and water shortages.
The governor said Democratic control of Congress could help secure additional resources for Puerto Rico and address immigration enforcement concerns.
“And to stop the overreach of ICE in small communities in upstate New York, the streets of New York or San Juan,” Hochul added.
The visit also highlighted the longstanding ties between Puerto Rico and New York City. The report noted that Latino voter support for Donald Trump increased nationally in the previous presidential election but polling showed a decline in that support during his second term.
While discussing governing priorities, Mamdani said he intends to continue working with Hochul despite any policy differences.
“I’ve always been clear about where I stand. I continue to to to hold those positions. I’m also looking forward to continuing a productive working relationship with our governor to deliver for working people,” Mamdani said.
As both leaders advance their policy agendas, they said cooperation between city and state government will remain a priority.
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