One of Puerto Rico’s two “shadow senators” endorsed former President Trump just days after comedian “Kill Tony” Hinchcliffe made a widely criticized appearance denigrating the island’s protectorate at the Republican’s rally in New York City.

Shadow Sen. Zoraida Buxo, a Republican, said she was proud to be back in Allentown, Pennsylvania’s third-largest city and anchor of a key swing congressional district. Shadow senators are elected officials who do not sit in the upper house but are tasked with advocating for their territory and its statehood.

In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Allentown’s Democratic Mayor Matt Tuerk said the city – settled by English Loyalist William Allen and historically Pennsylvania Dutch – is now majority Latino for the first time. As of 2022, only Hazleton and Reading reportedly have a higher proportion.

The population of Allentown is estimated at 126,000, about a quarter of whom are Puerto Rican.

JON STEWART DEFENDS COMEDIAN WHO JOKED AT TRUMP RALLY OVER PUERTO RICO: ‘I FIND THIS GUY VERY FUNNY’

The city of Allentown, PA – the third largest in the Commonwealth – is visible from the Tilghman Street Bridge. (Charles Creitz)

Buxo nodded to this development in her speech, about two hours before Trump’s estimated speaking time. The president was late leaving another event in Delaware County earlier in the day.

Buxo said she was reminded of her home island’s “steadfast conservative values ​​of community, family, faith and deep love of country.”

“This is home. This is Puerto Rico,” she said.

TRUMP CAMP REACTS TO ACTION OVER COMEDIAN’S PUERTO RICO JOKE AT RALLY

Without mentioning Hinchcliffe by name in her address, she appeared to reference the controversy, saying: “We will not be rattled, we will not give in to ignorance (or) stupidity… we will continue to focus on what is happening.” is very important.”

“We all share a desire for change for the better,” she later added.

Buxo criticized the Biden-Harris administration’s “failed policies,” touching on border security, law enforcement and the economy.

Tony Hinchcliffe of “Kill Tony” speaks during a campaign rally for Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden. (ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

She said there are nearly six million Puerto Ricans in the U.S. and about 500,000 live in Pennsylvania.

“We Hispanics are part of the soul of this country. We have made a difference and we will continue to make a difference in this coming election to bring about much-needed change,” she said.

“I urge you to pay attention and focus on what really matters when you cast your vote… We need change and Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are not the option to bring about the kind of change you need and want .”

She concluded her remarks by confirming:

“We need the leadership of Donald J. Trump as our commander in chief and Dave McCormick for renewed leadership in the U.S. Senate,” she said.

THE LEFT HAS A JOYFUL TRUMP RALLY! PLUS comedian Tony Hinchcliffe under fire for joke

A Puerto Rican flag (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo)

“Pennsylvanians – Americans, everyone – a better future is in your hands – your voice is the most powerful tool you have to create change. And for Latinos: Dale a Trump la fuersa de ta voto (“Give Trump the power of your vote”).

“And for these reasons, I strongly and fully support and endorse Donald J. Trump as our 47th President to Make America Great Again and Puerto Rico Shine Again.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Meanwhile, outside the rally, held at the PPL Center hockey arena and venue for the Flyers’ affiliate Lehigh Valley Phantoms, a billboard reportedly featured the Washington Post headline following Trump’s event at Madison Square Garden.

According to the New York Times, the writing alternated between Spanish and English and read: “Trump rally speakers utter racial slurs, call Puerto Rico ‘Island of Trash’.”

Conversely, the prayer at the start of the event was said by Roberto Albino, who described himself as a “proud Puerto Rican” and praised Trump.