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Young Voters and Celebrities Unite for a New Vision of Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico’s political landscape is heating up in ways unseen for years, and it’s no longer just about politicians—celebrities are joining in, adding their voices to the movement. One of the biggest moments leading up to this election was Bad Bunny’s surprise appearance at a rally in support of Juan Dalmau, a candidate from the Partido Independentista Puertorriqueño (PIP) and part of the broader coalition “La Alianza” alongside the Movimiento Victoria Ciudadana (MVC).
This moment feels bigger than an election; it’s a cultural shift. For years, the Partido Nuevo Progresista (PNP) and the Partido Popular Democrático (PPD) have dominated Puerto Rican politics, but that dominance appears to be waning, especially among younger voters. Recent surveys show 77% of young people support Juan Dalmau, while only 5% back the PNP’s Jenniffer González.
Puerto Rican Artists are Backing Juan Dalmau
Bad Bunny, known for his outspoken views, took things to a new level at the Festival de la Esperanza, where he delivered a powerful speech. He shared a surprising confession—his first vote was for Luis Fortuño, a former governor from the New Progressive Party (PNP), who is now widely blamed for Puerto Rico’s current financial crisis. Bad Bunny reflected on the pain of watching his family and others lose jobs and opportunities due to government decisions.
“My first vote was for one of the biggest culprits of the debt that the people have to pay for today, a traitor who left more than 30,000 families without jobs, including my family,” he said. “Nobody told me about it. I lived through it. I was born and raised here. I dream of people who are awake and recognize the strength we have, that the people rule here, not the political parties. The same two parties have destroyed our country. Two parties are to blame for this crisis and situation.”
But Bad Bunny didn’t stop at venting frustrations—he endorsed Juan Dalmau for governor, saying the people of Puerto Rico had inspired him to get involved. He urged everyone to vote for Dalmau and the coalition this November. For many young Puerto Ricans, it felt like a shift in the way politics works on the island.
Bad Bunny isn’t the only big name backing Dalmau and La Alianza. The rally had a festival-like atmosphere, featuring Puerto Rican artists like Residente, Rauw Alejandro, Kany García, and Jowell y Randy. Residente, known for his political activism, gave an emotional speech, calling this moment more meaningful than any award or concert.
“I don’t see it only as a party of great ideas but as a new Puerto Rico,” he said, standing beside Dalmau. “I’m filled with dreams and hopes that public education will improve and that the country’s deep-seated corruption will end. This is worth more than any concert or award. This is the greatest thing that’s happened in my life—seeing so many people proud to be Puerto Rican.”
Puerto Rico’s Youth and Celebrities Unite: Will Dalmau Bring the Change They Want?
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Why is this happening? Younger generations aren’t buying into the narrative that close ties with the United States guarantee prosperity. They’ve grown up during a time when Puerto Rico has faced economic hardships, U.S.-imposed austerity, and rampant corruption. After watching both major parties fail to deliver, many are now open to the idea of independence, or at least to the idea that Puerto Rico needs a new path forward.
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The coalition led by Dalmau is addressing issues that resonate with Puerto Ricans. They oppose privatizing public services like energy, reject the U.S.-imposed Fiscal Oversight Board and The Jones Act.
Social media has also amplified these messages, allowing voices once on the margins to reach wider audiences.
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This election, with Dalmau and La Alianza as serious contenders, feels different. For the first time in a long while, people are looking beyond the usual two-party system. Whether Dalmau wins or not, something has shifted. The energy at the rally, the passion of the artists, and the overwhelming support from young voters all point to a growing demand for change.
Election day in Puerto Rico is bound to be an exciting one.
Throwback: Andrea Muñoz Shares What It’s Like To Work With Bad Bunny
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