NY Democratic Socialist Claire Valdez wants Puerto Rico's debt canceled, oversight board gone

Claire Valdez, the Democratic Socialist candidate for New York’s 7th Congressional District, has expressed support for canceling Puerto Rico’s public debt and dissolving the federal oversight board that governs the island’s financial affairs. In an interview with El Diario NY, Valdez framed these proposals as part of a larger movement to dismantle what she describes as the colonial relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States. Her comments were made following her decisive victory in the June Democratic primary, where she secured 59.3% of the vote against opponents including Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Queens City Councilwoman Julie Won. Valdez, who is backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, emphasized that Puerto Rico’s current governance structure, specifically the Financial Oversight and Management Board (FOMB), does not align with democratic principles. She stated that an unelected body making decisions about the island’s future is incompatible with true self-governance. “An elected board making decisions about … the future of the island is not, in my opinion, a path towards true democracy,” she said. She further noted that Puerto Rico’s resources, including its land, should not be used as a military staging ground for operations targeting Cuba and Venezuela. The FOMB, established under the 2016 Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA), has restructured approximately 80% of Puerto Rico’s outstanding debt. This restructuring reduced the island’s total liabilities from over $70 billion to around $37 billion, according to the board’s own reports. It claims that this action will save Puerto Rico more than $50 billion in debt payments over time. Despite these figures, Valdez argues that the board’s existence perpetuates a form of control over Puerto Rico’s economic destiny, reinforcing its status as a territory rather than a fully sovereign state. In addition to advocating for debt cancellation and the dissolution of the FOMB, Valdez has proposed several other measures aimed at improving life in Puerto Rico. These include repealing the Jones Act, which she believes contributes to high shipping and grocery costs on the island, and establishing a publicly accountable renewable energy system to replace the current private utility contractor. Her campaign platform reflects a broader progressive agenda that includes abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which she has labeled a “fascist agency,” supporting Medicare for All, and ending U.S. weapons sales and military aid to Israel. Valdez’s stance on Puerto Rico is consistent with her wider political philosophy. She has criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, describing them as a “genocide,” and has drawn attention for marking the Fourth of July with a social media post that linked the struggle for Puerto Rican independence to the Palestinian cause. This rhetoric has led to some controversy, particularly among groups that view her statements as overly radical or inflammatory. Her election as the Democratic nominee for New York’s 7th Congressional District marks a shift in the political landscape of the region. As a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, Valdez represents a growing influence of leftist policies within the Democratic Party. Her victory in the primary, which saw her secure 59.3% of the vote, underscores the increasing appeal of progressive platforms among voters in urban areas such as New York City. Valdez’s campaign continues to emphasize themes of solidarity, justice, and systemic change. During her victory celebration, she urged supporters to “organize your union” and “join DSA,” reflecting her commitment to grassroots activism and collective action. As she prepares to enter the House of Representatives, her views on Puerto Rico and other issues will likely shape the legislative priorities of her district.