Exclusive: NH Democratic Latino Caucus Rejects Racist Remarks

To the People of New Hampshire,

The New Hampshire Democratic Latino Caucus wants to express our deep concern and disappointment over the recent remarks in New York, in which Donald Trump’s surrogates and supporters referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage.” These comments are not only inaccurate but also deeply offensive to the millions of Puerto Ricans, fellow US Citizens, who take immense pride in their culture, heritage, and homeland.

Puerto Rico is home to resilient people who have faced and overcome significant challenges, from natural disasters like Hurricane Maria to the ongoing fight for fair treatment and resources from the federal government. Labeling the island with such a derogatory term dismisses the rich contributions Puerto Ricans have made to the United States, both historically and today, in fields ranging from the arts and sciences to politics and the military.

The Trump campaign’s attempts to condemn these statements ring hollow. The Trump campaign carefully selected these speakers and uploaded their remarks into their teleprompter. They knew what the content would be, and still, they moved forward with the speaking program and allowed these comments to be made and met with applause and laughter. These comments not only disrespected the people of Puerto Rico but also helped to perpetuate harmful stereotypes that undermine the progress and dignity of our communities.

We urge New Hampshire Republicans from Kelly Ayotte to candidates all across the Granite State to condemn these words and issue an apology to the people of Puerto Rico. We deserve to be treated with respect, not belittled or insulted. We also hope that in the future, everyone in New Hampshire Politics will choose to speak about Puerto Rico and all of Latin America with the recognition it deserves as a vibrant, valuable part of the American family.

While here, we want to remind you of the current candidates endorsing Donald Trump’s rhetoric and the narratives his surrogates are spinning. Governor Chris Sununu, Candidate for Governor Kelly Ayotte, Congressional candidates Lily Tang Williams and Russell Prescott, every Republican candidate for the State House, State Senate and Executive Council. Supporting Donald Trump means you support this rhetoric.

We trust American voters will take the opportunity granted to us next Tuesday and send a clear message, that the United States is better than this rhetoric and we will overcome all of this together.

Sincerely and unanimously,