It’s Election Day here in the United States. And as we cast our votes and wait for the results to come in, let’s take a moment to look back at some of the Latino celebrities who paused their careers to jump into the political arena. Theirs was a mix of music, politics, and second thoughts.
Latino Celebrities and the 2024 Election
It seems both parties are out for the Latino vote, with celebrities like Reggaeton Artist Justin Quiles, Actor Eduardo Verastegui, and Mexican actress Patricia Navidad cozying up to Former U.S. President Donald J. Trump on one side. And Singer Jennifer Lopez, the Mexican-American Group Los Tigres del Norte, and Rapper Cardi B rooting for Vice President Kamala Harris on the other.
A few Latino VIP moments, especially during these last few months, reached far beyond the political headlines, and spilled into viral debates on IG and TikTok. The fan backlashes, and some celebrity backpedaling, made this election season feel like one part music tour, and one part soap opera. Luckily, everyone seemed to be OK. Because, at the end of the day, all politicians and VIPs know, as Aunt Gloria used to say: “Al mal tiempo, buena cara.”
Now, let’s take a moment to reflect on some of the most memorable, and head-scratching, Latino celebrity endorsements of Election 2024.
The Curious Case of Nicky Jam
No Latino celebrity endorsement made more headlines for the wrong reasons than Reggaeton Artist Nicky Jam. At first, he said he threw his political support for Trump because the ex-president could offer the country economic growth.
“The reason I supported Donald Trump is because I thought it was better for the economy in the United States where many of us Latinos live. … Because he was a businessman, I thought it was the best choice,” Nicky told his Instagram followers.
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But then, just a few weeks later, there was that eyebrow-raising moment at a Trump rally where comedian Tony Hinchcliffe described Puerto Rico as a “floating island of trash.” Nicky, knowing that Puerto Rico was not, in fact, floating or trash, decided he could no longer support Trump.
Instead of jumping to endorse someone else, Nicky told his followers: “I never thought a comedian would come along and criticize my country … I renounce any support for Donald Trump.” With comments closed, we can only guess what his fans might have thought.
Anuel AA and the Trump Train
But Nicky Jam wasn’t alone. The Trump campaign brought other reggaeton stars along for the ride, including Anuel AA, who took the mic at a Pennsylvania rally to drum up support among Puerto Rican voters.
After endorsing Trump, he rallied the crowd with, “All my Puerto Ricans, let’s stay united — let’s vote for Trump!” Fans were excited … until Trump then shouted out, “Do you know Nicky? She’s hot!” This dampened Anuel AA’s vibe immediately.
It was an awkward moment for two reasons: one, Nicky Jam is not female, and two, he was still on stage trying to show enthusiasm. But to their credit, Anuel AA and other Trump-supporting artists held strong, proving that even celebrity endorsements are willing to work through a little awkwardness during a presidential campaign.
On the Flip Side: The Democrats Went Big
Democrats didn’t let the music fade, on their side of the political aisle. Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign went all-in, bringing out Jennifer Lopez, Cardi B, and Hamilton star Anthony Ramos to stump for her.
Then, in true dramatic style, Bad Bunny, who had yet to voice his presidential pick publicly, finally joined in. It looks like the Trump rally’s “floating island” comment was the last straw for the Puerto Rican rapper, singer, actor, and record producer.
Born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, Bad Bunny urged voters to vote for Harris, reminding everyone that, unlike politics, his support for Puerto Rico’s well-being is not seasonal. Many, including the Harris campaign itself, are hoping the star’s endorsement will influence Latino voters in Pennsylvania, a swing state that the entire nation is watching.
“The campaign understands the large reach Bad Bunny has within the Latino community and believes his support could help sway young male Latino voters – a demographic that has gravitated toward Trump,” CNN reported.
Did we mention that over 50 percent of Latinos in Pennsylvania are of Puerto Rican descent?
Did the Latino Celebrities Matter? We’ll Find Out
So, here we are, waiting for the election results and wondering if Latino celebrity power was enough to sway voters one way or another. Will a combo of politics, reggaeton and social media decide the next U.S. president? Or will we wake up to find that, as Tía Gloria may say (if she could see it all): “La fama no da votos”? She was always right, you know.
Celebrity images in featured image courtesy of Deposit Photos.
