Janice R. Andrews
Reading, Pennsylvania has become a key battleground as both campaigns vie for Latino support in this crucial swing state. The city, where Hispanics and Latinos make up two-thirds of residents, recently hosted both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris amid heightened tensions over controversial remarks.
The campaigns’ focus on Reading intensified after comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s derogatory comment about Puerto Rico at Trump’s New York rally last week. The incident has created ripple effects, with Democratic organizers like Teddy Vasquez reporting that some Puerto Rican voters are reconsidering their electoral choices.
“You can’t disrespect the people whose votes you’re asking for,” noted Vasquez, citing a recent conversation with a voter who switched allegiances following the controversy.
Though the remarks have alienated some voters, others in the Puerto Rican community maintain their support for Trump. As Pennsylvania’s electoral votes could prove decisive in determining the presidency, the Latino vote in cities like Reading has taken on unprecedented significance.
