A new survey of Hispanic voters in the states, including Puerto Rican voters across the nation, shows that Hispanic voters in general and Puerto Rican voters in particular are in favor of statehood for Puerto Rico. In fact, their feelings on the subject are strong enough to influence their voting behavior. McLaughlin and Associates conducted a survey among 1,000 likely Hispanic voters between June 5-10, 2026. In order to make sure a representative sampling of Puerto Rican voters were included, 409 additional likely Puerto Rican voters were interviewed between June 11-16, 2026, providing a total of 600 likely Puerto Rican voters. from both Republican and Democratic parties, as well as independent voters. The results are clear: Hispanic voters overwhelmingly support statehood for Puerto Rico.
More than two thirds of all respondents approve of statehood for Puerto Rico. Fewer than one in five disapprove. Among Puerto Rican voters in particular, 71% choose statehood. In a separate question, 77% said that statehood is important to them.
More informed voters are more likely to support statehood
As we’ve seen in the past, voters with more information are more likely to support statehood for Puerto Rico. In this survey, respondents were asked whether specific information about statehood increased or decreased their approval for Puerto Rico’s admission as a state. Among all respondents, 75% of informed voters favored statehood, compared with 68% of those asked before being provided with any information. Among Puerto Ricans, the rate of approval of statehood rose from the already very high 71% to 79% when they were given the information.
Additional information provided to the respondents included facts like these:
- Puerto Rico provides more servicemen and women to the U.S. armed forces than any state except Nevada.
- Residents of Puerto Rico cannot vote in presidential elections or have full representation in Congress, even though they are U.S. citizens.
- People born in Puerto Rico have been U.S. citizens since 1917.
Hispanic voters are more likely to vote for candidates supporting statehood
Respondents made it clear that they would rather vote for candidates who support statehood for Puerto Rico.
The survey analyzed many different positions that can influence a voter’s choice on the ballot. Some questions reflect basic values; for example, 94% of Puerto Rican respondents agreed that having a strong work ethic is important. Other questions concerned current controversial issues. For example, 78% of Puerto Rican voters believe it is important to ban biological males from playing in girls’ or women’s sports. While some answers to these questions may be more aligned with one national party or another, the issue of Puerto Rico statehood has always been a bipartisan one. Both major national parties have included statehood for Puerto Rico in their party platforms.
Download the National Survey of Hispanic and Puerto Rico Voters.
Download the National PRSC Memo.
No responses yet