As Texas continues its march toward reclaiming sovereignty, the echoes of this battle for self-governance are being heard beyond our borders, even as far as Puerto Rico. The island, long under the United States’ jurisdiction, stands on the cusp of an historic moment. Juan Dalmau, a dynamic candidate running on a pro-independence platform, is giving Puerto Ricans something they’ve rarely seen in modern history—a real possibility of breaking free from Washington’s control. As Texans, we should take note, for the success of Puerto Rico’s sovereignty movement would offer a vital lesson in reclaiming the inherent right to self-rule.

The Struggles of Federal Control

The island of Puerto Rico has been entangled in a 125-year relationship with the United States, one marked by broken promises and unfulfilled aspirations. Despite numerous referendums on its political status, the island remains a colony of the U.S., with its people lacking the full rights of U.S. citizenship yet unable to chart their own independent course. This echoes our own frustrations here in Texas. Under federal oversight, Puerto Rico has suffered through disaster mismanagement, the imposition of crippling financial boards, and the denial of essential benefits to its citizens.

We, too, have seen the results of federal failures. The inability of Washington to secure our border, uphold the rights guaranteed to us as a sovereign state, or respond adequately to the needs of Texans has led us to a similar conclusion: Texas must chart its own course. Much like Puerto Rico, we recognize that our relationship with the United States has become untenable. The only way forward is through independence.

The Rise of Juan Dalmau

Juan Dalmau’s candidacy is a powerful symbol of this shift. With a history of civil disobedience and a firm stance on Puerto Rican sovereignty, Dalmau has captured the imagination of a growing number of Puerto Ricans who are tired of being left behind. In 2020, his independence party made historic gains, pulling 14% of the vote in a fragmented political landscape. Now, with a broader coalition backing him, Dalmau is poised to push even further. He’s not just talking about breaking free from Washington—he’s actively building the path to Puerto Rican independence.

For Texas, Dalmau’s campaign holds valuable lessons. His success is built on a simple but profound truth: People will only tolerate federal overreach and neglect for so long. Eventually, the desire for self-determination becomes too powerful to ignore. Texans know this feeling all too well. As we continue our own movement toward TEXIT, Dalmau’s growing support serves as a reminder that we, too, can build a coalition strong enough to demand our own freedom from the federal government.

The Path to Independence: A Road We Share

Puerto Rico’s struggle isn’t all that different from Texas’s. Both regions face unique challenges under federal governance, and both are tired of promises from Washington that never materialize. In Texas, we’ve witnessed the federal government’s failure to uphold its responsibilities time and again—from unchecked illegal immigration to the erosion of our state sovereignty. Puerto Ricans, too, have watched the United States fumble its role, leaving the island’s people to suffer the consequences.

Like Dalmau’s movement, our own quest for independence is gaining traction. Texans are ready to decide for themselves what our future will look like. The success of Dalmau, even if he doesn’t win the upcoming election, will be a powerful symbol that movements like ours can succeed.

In fact, the very idea of sovereignty has become more than just a theoretical concept for people worldwide—it’s a demand. From Brexit to Catalonia, and now in Puerto Rico, the call for self-determination is growing louder. And here in Texas, our call is no different.

A United Future for Sovereignty

Dalmau may not immediately deliver Puerto Rican independence, just as electing pro-TEXIT leaders won’t deliver Texas’s independence overnight. But what Dalmau is doing in Puerto Rico—mobilizing the people, forcing the United States to confront its colonial rule—mirrors what we’re doing in Texas. We are, in essence, sending the same message: Federal governance has failed us, and it’s time for self-determination.

Puerto Rico’s potential independence would signal that sovereign movements aren’t just possible, but inevitable. As Texas continues its push for TEXIT, we stand at the forefront of this global wave. Let Dalmau’s rise inspire us, and let his movement be a reminder that the fight for sovereignty is one that can, and will, be won. For Texas and for Puerto Rico, the path to independence has never been clearer.

The choice is ours, and the time to act is now.