Puerto Rico could play a potentially significant role in the 2024 Republican primary in the United States due to its 23 delegates, which are more than any other U.S. territory and even more than primary states like New Hampshire, Delaware and Maine. Historically, Puerto Rico has not attracted much attention in the presidential race due to its late schedule of primaries, held after Super Tuesday. So far, only one Republican candidate, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, has visited the island, though he has given up his candidacy, CBS News reports.

This is an important issue in the island politics, as Puerto Rico’s main issue involves the political status of the U.S. territory. The island's three main political parties have different views on Puerto Rico’s future: the New Progressive Party supports the creation of a state, the People’s Democratic Party favors territorial ties with the continental U.S., and the Puerto Rican Independence Party seeks independence.

“Historically, primary turnout in Puerto Rico is very low. According to the local state commission, about 126,000 people participated in the 2012 GOP primary, the year Romney won the primary and the Republican nomination. But in 2016, the last time the island held a Republican primary, voter turnout dropped off substantially, with under 40,000 voters participating when Rubio prevailed. That year, however, the presidential primary was held on a different date than the local elections, which was likely a contributing factor”, according to CBS News.

Although Puerto Ricans participate in presidential primaries, they cannot vote in presidential elections due to territory status. This causes many island residents to focus primarily on local politics and issues related to political status.

However, according to CBS, Republicans are making efforts to attract Latino/Hispanic voters, who make up about 13 percent of the electorate in the United States. Puerto Rico Republican Party Chairman Ángel Cintrón believes winning in Puerto Rico would be a strong signal to other Latino voters across the country.

Importantly, Puerto Rico’s presidential primaries are scheduled to take place after Super Tuesday, which could influence the Republican race if the nomination is contested. Therefore, the participation and involvement of Puerto Rican voters could become an important factor in candidates’ search for delegates needed to win the nomination.