The 2024 election is in its final stretch, with both parties trying to fan political flames in congressional races as well as the presidential contest. After a racist comment at a Trump rally comparing Puerto Rico to garbage, Democrats have circulated a list of competitive U.S. House races with large percentages of Puerto Rican voters. Meanwhile, Republican operatives are seizing on a gaffe by President Biden, accusing him of calling all Trump supporters “garbage” and trying to tie Democratic congressional candidates to their accusation.
The controversies are amplifying and shifting the closing messages in the final days before Election Day, particularly in highly competitive Senate and House races. A memo from Democratic campaign operatives revealed that more than 10% of registered voters in Pennsylvania’s 7th District House race are of Puerto Rican descent. Similar demographics are present in competitive House races in New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Connecticut, with ties to Puerto Rico affecting at least 4% of registered voters in these districts.
Democratic candidates are leveraging the racist joke controversy to their advantage. Rep. Susie Wild of Pennsylvania has raised the issue in her campaign, receiving significant attention on the topic. Democratic candidate Laura Gillen in New York’s 4th District House race has also amplified the firestorm over the racist joke. Rep. Nydia Valazquez, a New York Democrat born in Puerto Rico, referenced the controversy and joke during a campaign event for small businesses. Rep. Jahanna Hayes of Western Connecticut also condemned the behavior of the Trump rally at Madison Square Garden.
Republicans, on the other hand, are seeking to magnify President Biden’s potential gaffe from Tuesday. GOP Rep. Richard Hudson accused the President of smearing half of the country and called on House Democrats to speak up in disagreement or risk losing voter support. Rep. Marc Molinaro, a first-term Republican defending his seat in New York’s 19th Congressional District, criticized Biden’s statement about supporting Kamala Harris, calling those who don’t support her “garbage.”
Overall, the controversies surrounding the racist joke at the Trump rally and President Biden’s remarks are shaping the narrative in the final days of the election. Both parties are using these incidents to their advantage, with Democrats highlighting the racist remarks to energize Puerto Rican voters, and Republicans capitalizing on Biden’s potential gaffe to criticize Democratic candidates. The outcome of these political maneuverings will likely impact the outcomes of key congressional races and the overall results of the 2024 election.
