PR Democrats look to 2028 as party leaders launch post-midterm strategy
By THE STAR STAFF
Puerto Rico’s pro-statehood Democratic Party leadership is moving quickly to reposition the island within national party politics following the U.S. midterm elections, unveiling a strategy to strengthen ties with Democratic leaders across the mainland while advancing key federal priorities ahead of the 2028 presidential cycle.
At a meeting convened by Puerto Rico Democratic Party (PDPR) President Luis Dávila Pernas, current and former elected officials, lawmakers and mayors mapped out what they described as a long-term effort to ensure the island remains part of national Democratic discussions as Washington begins looking toward the next presidential election and a new Congress.
The strategy envisions a dual track: building relationships with Democratic leaders and campaigns across the United States while coordinating with Puerto Rico’s own elected leadership on issues ranging from healthcare funding to political status.
Among the priorities identified by participants are efforts to end Puerto Rico’s territorial status, secure a permanent solution for Medicaid funding, and push for the transition of residents from the Nutrition Assistance Program (PAN) to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
As part of that effort, the PDPR plans to seek meetings with Gov. Jenniffer González Colón, Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera, Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz, House Speaker Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez and leaders of Puerto Rico’s mayoral organizations. Those discussions are expected to focus on identifying shared priorities and developing a coordinated agenda for engagement with federal policymakers.
“The decisions made in Washington have a direct impact on Puerto Rico’s quality of life,” Dávila Pernas said, arguing that the island must participate more actively in the political processes that shape federal policy rather than waiting for outcomes from afar.
The initiative comes as both parties begin laying the groundwork for the 2028 presidential race, a process that party leaders said starts years before voters cast ballots. Organizers believe Puerto Rico’s role can extend beyond lobbying efforts in Washington by helping Democratic campaigns connect with Puerto Rican and Latino communities in key swing states.
During the 2026 election cycle, PDPR volunteers participated in Democratic campaigns in Georgia, Florida and Pennsylvania, conducting grassroots voter outreach and mobilization efforts in communities with significant Puerto Rican populations. Party officials now hope to transform those activities into a permanent network of collaboration with state Democratic organizations, Latino groups and Puerto Rican community leaders throughout the mainland.
San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero Lugo said Puerto Rico has assets that can strengthen the national party, including experienced political organizers, volunteers and close ties to diaspora communities. He argued that sustained engagement in campaigns can help the island build relationships that endure beyond individual election cycles.
Looking ahead, PDPR leaders said they intend to make themselves available to potential Democratic presidential contenders as the field for 2028 begins to take shape. The goal, they said, is to establish relationships early enough to ensure Puerto Rico’s concerns are incorporated into policy discussions long before a nominee is selected.
Sen. Carmelo Ríos Santiago said the alliances and campaign infrastructure that shape presidential races are often built years in advance, making early engagement essential if Puerto Rico hopes to influence the national agenda.
For party leaders, the broader objective is to create a more permanent and visible Puerto Rican presence within Democratic politics at a time when federal decisions on healthcare, social programs, disaster recovery and the island’s political future continue to carry significant consequences.
