I believe that Puerto Rico could be a great state. I believe the governor is Republican, so don’t judge. However, if we make it into an independent nation, we might have China as a neighbor.
Puerto Rico is a purple leaning blue area, no different than Illinois or New Jersey that have had Republican governors often, and Republican congress critters in some districts.
Historically the Puerto Rican Republicans were Rockefeller Republicans. But the most recent Republican governor was a Steve Forbes, Club for Growth type on economic issues and pro life, pro 2d amendment on social issues.
In other words, if Republicans would not write off purple areas in both Puerto Rico and in the Continental US, the Republicans would be better off. There are good people in purple areas.... and in blue areas.
Certainly Trump taught us that and we should learn the lesson Trump taught us.