This week sees the convergence of New York's political sphere in Puerto Rico—here's why.

For weeks, every conversation among politicos in New York has ended the same way: See you at Somos? The annual beachfront conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico, officially celebrates the close relationship between the island territory and the Empire State – and unofficially serves as a tipsy political deal-making getaway. Hosted by the state Legislature’s Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force, the festivities kick off at the El Caribe Hilton Wednesday and wrap up Sunday. Assembly Member Karines Reyes, who is chair of the task force, said the conference quickly sold out with 2000 people expected. Well, 2000 and counting.
“I don't have an exact number because folks have still been calling us – particularly elected officials who haven't registered – to make sure they get registered,” Reyes said.
The official conference includes events like a “breakfast with the cannabis industry,” receptions for women and “frontline heroes,” a labor panel and a day of community service. Reyes touted 36 legislative workshops – an increase from previous years, and said the conference is also about cultural exchange: “I think it's important for folks to come and see, feel, taste Puerto Rico,” she said. “Because it gives you an insight into the Puerto Rican communities in New York.”
And of course unofficial events and cocktail hours hosted by lobbyists, lawmakers, business leaders and advocates abound.
“There is no other opportunity to be around this many influencers and power players at the same place,” said Democratic consultant Trip Yang. “You can miss a lot of happy hours and galas, but you can’t miss Somos.”

From consultant Yvette Buckner: "It's like speed dating where the art of the elevator pitch reaches new heights."
Strategist Camille Rivera: “It’s also one of the nation’s largest gatherings of Latino political power-players. Latinos represent 30% of the City’s population and have become the group to watch heading into 2024. The road to taking back the House starts in New York and it starts at Somos.”
In 2022, Democrats retreated to Puerto Rico for a more subdued conference in the wake of Hurricane Fiona and a bruising midterm election cycle that saw them lose multiple House seats. In 2021, Gov. Kathy Hochul and state Attorney General Letitia James competed for attention during James’ short-lived primary campaign for governor, while City Council members vied for support in their speaker bids.
This year, between an FBI inquiry into the New York City mayor’s campaign fundraiser and a bevy of local election results to unpack, there’s plenty to discuss. Our reporters and editors are heading to San Juan, and we’ll be tracking the latest from the conference here. – Holly Pretsky and Rebecca C. Lewis