The Trump administration has renamed the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America while also promoting the statehood of Greenland and Canada. Instead, a much more attractive, strategic move would be to gain statehood for Puerto Rico, which would include a socially conservative voting bloc in the United States election process, and play a crucial role in the direction of future elections and potential policy decisions.
But many forget the fact that Puerto Ricans are already citizens of the U.S., residing in a limbo between independence and statehood. The nation’s yearning for statehood is evident in its repeated votes in favor of this status. In contrast to the lukewarm support for statehood among Canadians and Greenlanders, the enthusiasm for Puerto Rican statehood is robust and unwavering.
The current status of Puerto Rico is detrimental to both the United States and its citizens residing there. Being designated as a Commonwealth rather than a state hampers investment opportunities. Furthermore, Puerto Ricans face significant restrictions when it comes to Congressional representation, as a non-voting Delegate represents them. This inequitable status creates a strong incentive for many to relocate to the mainland.
Puerto Rico has continued to elect Republicans to positions such as governorship and the legislature, with Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon's transition from Delegate to Governor just one example. This does not belie the myth that Puerto Rico will move towards Democrats electing to Congress.
Puerto Rico’s potential as a swing state combined with all of the politics diversity with ties to the Republican Party means that statehood would be a better opportunity for Republicans than it is for Democrats in a D.C. state. So, while supporting Puerto Rican statehood would help Republicans combat partisanship and attract the Hispanic demographic, addressing political and economic issues requires bipartisan support.
In terms of national security, Puerto Rico's inclusion as a full state would counteract China's growing influence in the Caribbean and serve as a formidable ally against Cuba and Venezuela's attempts to spread communism. Establishing Puerto Rico as a state would facilitate the deployment of more national security resources to the island, strategically located near Cuba. This expansion of the United States would also demonstrate to the world that our nation can grow while others are embroiled in conflicts.
With over 3 million U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico, the push for statehood has been a long-standing aspiration. In the most recent election, 58% of Puerto Rican voters chose statehood, with the next option receiving only 29%. This desire has been expressed in previous votes in 2020, 2017, and 2012.
Unlike Canadians, Puerto Ricans are genuinely eager for statehood, yearning for the full rights and responsibilities that accompany it, and they have much to contribute to the United States.
The journey to statehood for Puerto Rico should offer the same representation and opportunities to all Americans. As conservatives who value democracy and fairness and have the greatest interest in the country we live in - we have to push the right to statehood for Puerto Rico. To make Puerto Rico the 51st state is only fair considering our values of inclusion and representation. It also reinforces our dedication to economic stability and growth because we need to be equitable in our protections for all citizens, wherever they live.
As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary of founding, the act of incorporating Puerto Rico into our collective identity cannot be more American. We recognize the wide-ranging contributions of all residents and know the sustained contribution creates a better country.
The principles of conservatism mark the road to statehood and now is the time for Puerto Rico to claim its rightful place as the 51st state. Together, we can enact change that helps America’s great promises reach every inch of our country.
Leif Larson is a media consultant and media strategist for multiple political candidates and issue campaigns across the country.
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