The upcoming US midterm elections could have direct repercussions for Puerto Rico, particularly on federal Medicaid funding, a possible shift from Puerto Rico’s Nutritional Assistance Program (PAN) to SNAP, and legislative proposals on the island’s political status. In interviews with Telenoticias, Puerto Rico Republican Party chair Ángel Cintrón and Democratic Party chair Luis Dávila Pernas discussed the implications.
A main concern is Medicaid’s so-called fiscal cliff, expected next year, which could affect federal resources for Puerto Rico’s health system. Medicare parity and status proposals also remain pending. Legislation on moving from PAN to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could be included in federal farm bill negotiations.
Two House races draw particular attention. In New York’s 7th District, the seat opens after Democrat Nydia Velázquez retires; Democrat Claire Valdez faces Republican Melvin Rivera. Valdez has backed proposals on Puerto Rico’s status and called for eliminating the Oversight Board.
In Florida’s 9th District, Democrat Darren Soto, of Puerto Rican descent, seeks to keep his seat; the district’s makeup has changed and Puerto Rican voters are no longer a majority. Dávila Pernas said Soto ran about ten points ahead of Kamala Harris in his district previously. If control of Congress is split, Cintrón said Puerto Rico would need to work with both parties, noting Governor Jenniffer González Colón’s ties to legislators of both.
All 435 House seats and part of the 100 Senate seats are at stake; in a 50-50 Senate tie, Vice President J. D. Vance would cast the deciding vote.