PUERTO RICO DEMOCRATIC PARTY ENDORSES NELLIE POU FOR CONGRESS

The New Jersey State Senator, who is Puerto Rican, seeks to fill the vacancy left open with the passing of Rep. Pascrell

San Juan, August 26th, 2024– The leadership of the Puerto Rico Democratic Party has endorsed current New Jersey Senator Nellie Pou to become the Democratic candidate for New Jersey’s 9th Congressional District, announced the party’s Chairman-elect Luis Dávila Pernas.

Since officially declaring her candidacy for the seat left vacant with the passing of Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., Senator Pou, who has over 25 years of experience serving her district, is emerging as the top contender in the race. She has garnered support from several national party leaders and, if elected, Pou would become the first Hispanic Congresswoman to represent New Jersey.

“Throughout her career, Senator Pou has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the values and principles upheld by the Democratic Party. Additionally, as a friend of Puerto Rico, she is an ally of causes that promote the well-being of the Puerto Rican community both on the territory and in the states. Her support for the cause of equality for Puerto Rico reflects her understanding of the needs and aspirations of the Puerto Rican people,” said Dávila Pernas.

Pou, who is the only Hispanic woman running for the seat, has also received endorsements from pro-statehood leaders such as the current Chair of the of the Puerto Rico Democratic Party, Charlie Rodríguez; Mayors Miguel Romero, Rosachely Rivera, and Lorna Soto; Senators Carmelo Ríos and Marissa Jiménez; and Representatives José “Pichy” Torres Zamora, Joel “Franqui” Stiles, José “Che” Pérez, Eddie Charbonier, and Angel Peña Jr.

Meanwhile, Governor Pedro Pierluisi added, “Nellie Pou has been a great friend of the 3.2 million U.S. citizens living in Puerto Rico throughout her political career. As a fellow Boricua, her voice and advocacy in Congress representing New Jersey will advance the needs of the people of Puerto Rico and Latinos throughout the fifty states and territories. I know she will continue leading with her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as she has already proven throughout her years in public service. I fully support Nellie Pou.”

Pou is the only Hispanic candidate in the race, in a congressional district where 42% of the population identifies as Hispanic, 38th as white, and 8% as Black.

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