The short version
- Spectrum News reported that New York's top Democrats gathered in Old San Juan on Thursday evening for a ticketed party at the Antiguo Casino
- Hoodline reported that nearly 4,000 attendees are expected for the Nov. 4-7 conference at the Hilton El Caribe hotel marking its 40th year
- Assembly Member Karines Reyes told Hoodline the event has expanded to include more service activities and workshops over multiple days
- Rep. Nydia Velázquez advised incoming members on the House speaker election according to Spectrum News
Event in Old San Juan
New York’s top Democrats gathered in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Thursday evening for a ticketed party at the Antiguo Casino. Spectrum News reported that Gov. Kathy Hochul, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and others headlined the event.
The gathering took place as the separate 40th annual Somos conference runs from Nov. 4-7 at the Hilton El Caribe hotel. Hoodline reported that Assembly Member Karines Reyes, who chairs the conference, expects nearly 4,000 attendees this year with close to 3,000 already registered, the highest turnout ever.
Also on PuertoRico.com: San Juan travel guide
What the sources posted
Posts and statements below are the sources' own words, quoted as published. They are not independently verified.
That is a decision that they have to make, but I will advise them: don’t overlook the historic significance of having the first African American speaker of the House.
The source's own statement, as quoted by Spectrum News. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Advice From Outgoing Members
Outgoing Rep. Nydia Velázquez, who is Puerto Rican, offered advice to incoming congressional members. Spectrum News reported that she told NY1 that the decision on the next House speaker "is a decision that they have to make" but added her view on its historic significance.
Rep. Adriano Espaillat, who lost his reelection bid according to both Spectrum News and Hoodline, also gave advice at the event per Spectrum News. Hoodline separately noted shifts in New York's Latino political leadership including Velázquez retiring and Espaillat losing his reelection bid.
Drought Concerns and Growth
The San Juan conference proceeded despite criticism tied to Puerto Rico's water shortages. Hoodline reported that UPROSE Executive Director Elizabeth Yeampierre sent an open letter on Aug. 12 arguing the event would stress San Juan's water system. Somos confirmed plans to carry on, citing its island relief work and sustainability workshops.
Hoodline reported that this year's theme is Abriendo Caminos, chosen to capture the diverse Latino community. Reyes told the outlet the gathering "has grown from a single day" into one spanning several days with added service projects and sessions, and that she is considering rotating future gatherings to other Latino countries.
Where the sources differ
Sources 1 and 2 from Spectrum News and NY State of Politics are nearly identical and focus on the Thursday evening ticketed party at the Antiguo Casino and statements from Velázquez, Espaillat, Romero and Carr. Source 3 from Hoodline reports on the full Nov. 4-7 conference at the Hilton El Caribe, expected attendance of nearly 4,000, its growth, theme, drought criticism from UPROSE, and comments from Karines Reyes. All sources agree on the location in San Juan and the involvement of outgoing members Velázquez and Espaillat. Hoodline does not mention the specific party, named high-profile attendees at the party, or the tax debate quotes.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not state whether Hochul, Mamdani or Jeffries attended any part of the multiday conference beyond the Thursday party. They provide no details on actual attendance numbers achieved, specific outcomes from the workshops or day of service, or any responses from Puerto Rico officials to the event. The sources also do not address the amount of water the conference is expected to use or any mitigation measures taken on site.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Reporting New York lawmakers gather in Puerto Rico for Somos Conference
- Reporting Somos Conference Turns 40 in San Juan, Puerto Rico
How we checked this
Spectrum News and NY State of Politics reported the Thursday party and quotes from New York officials. Hoodline reported the conference scale, history, drought criticism and Reyes comments. The specific successor names for Velázquez and Espaillat, plus the House speaker advice context, rest only on Spectrum News.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.
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