New York Officials Travel to Somos in San Juan
Democratic officials from New York boarded a flight from Newark Airport to attend the annual Somos conference in Puerto Rico.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Immigration
A group of New York Democratic elected officials and political figures traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for the Somos conference, departing on a 10:35 a.m. flight out of Newark Airport. The conference is chaired by Assembly Member Karines Reyes.
Why it matters
Lawmakers of Puerto Rican descent use the gathering to press for changes in the relationship between the United States and Puerto Rico. The trip reflects the central role Latino and Puerto Rican voters play in New York state politics.
The traveling group included Assembly Member Catalina Cruz, City Council Member Eric Dinowitz, and New York City Comptroller Mark Levine, among others, departing on a 10:35 a.m. flight. The source does not state what legislative or policy decisions will result from the trip.
The players
Karines Reyes
Karines Reyes is a New York State Assembly Member who chairs the Somos conference and the Assembly and Senate Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force.
Mark Levine
Mark Levine is the New York City Comptroller who traveled to the Somos conference in San Juan.
The details
Democratic elected officials boarded a 10:35 a.m. flight out of Newark Airport bound for San Juan. The group includes New York City Comptroller Mark Levine, City Council Member Eric Dinowitz, Assembly Member Catalina Cruz, and City Council Member Kamillah Hanks, along with housing activist Shams DaBaron and political consultant William Lynch.
Timeline
November 4, 2026: Election Day results prompted officials to depart for the Somos conference.
2027: Expected to be a quiet year for elections.
2028 and 2029: Expected to bring more exciting elections.
Political Context
Officials travel to Somos each year after Election Day, a recurring pattern that ties New York's political class to Puerto Rican political concerns. The conference is framed as a forum for lawmakers of Puerto Rican descent seeking to change the relationship between the United States and Puerto Rico.
New York residents who follow state politics can track the Somos conference's outcomes through Assembly and Senate channels. The source does not describe specific changes to laws or services resulting from the trip.
The takeaway
Trips like this one show how New York's political leaders engage with Puerto Rican and Latino constituents on issues tied to the island's relationship with the mainland. Readers interested in the outcomes can watch for follow-up statements from the officials who attended.
Further reading
Explore more coverage in Immigration for context on New York's Latino and Puerto Rican political community.
Source note: This article includes information reported by City & State NY.
