Last week, NY1 traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico for the annual SOMOS El Futuro Conference. It’s a gathering of top Democrats, lobbyists, politicos and others who take some time to regroup after the general election in the warm island sun. Our Zack Fink filed this SOMOS diary with a behind-the-scenes look at what takes place.

You really just never know who you are going to bump into at the SOMOS El Futuro Conference in Puerto Rico, a major gathering of New York politicos. In this case, it was the state attorney general, who just happens to be seeking an even-higher office. Letitia James was on our flight down to the island, and here we all are at the gate. As Alyssa Katz from “The City” astutely points out, we often have better access to the politicians we cover in Puerto Rico than we do in the city. (Albany is an entirely other matter.)

Opening night welcome reception, hosted by New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, pictured here. The politicking starts early at SOMOS as Assemblymember Simcha Eichenstein bends his ear on something. I couldn’t actually hear what they were saying (not that I was trying, of course).

So, this is me. Also on night one, shooting what we like to call “B-roll” in the TV biz. I was not yet as sweaty as I would end up.

Really just cannot say enough about this guy. Our photographer Nick Wetzel. He busted it for four days in the heat taking direction from not one, but two reporters. Gloria Pazmino killed it down here, too. But Nick went above and beyond anything we could expect from a photographer, and not once was there a cross word or even a groan out of him. Total champ. 

The view toward the beach from the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Many of the events during the conference took place here, and next door at the El San Juan. Throughout the evenings, politicos can be found on the sidewalk shuttling between the two places in search of the best cocktail receptions. I like to remind people of that lyric by Kesha when they are looking for the best scene: “The party don’t start ‘til I walk in.”

Clash of the Titans? Actually all public interactions between Gov. Hochul and the state attorney general were completely cordial, and this was no exception at the reception for Eleanor’s Legacy, a group dedicated to training and supporting female politicians. Both are now officially running for governor and occasionally crossed paths as they made the rounds at SOMOS.

Stop. The. Presses. State Senator Zellnor Myrie busts out the fashion wear in the lobby of the Sonesta. 

The man of the hour. Everyone wanted a piece of this guy, who made it clear he paid his own way to SOMOS. Here is Mayor-elect Eric Adams holding one of his multiple appearances at various events. State Senator Jamaal Bailey warmly greets him here at the Brooklyn Democratic event under the banyan tree. Bailey later told me he had to change this bright colored shirt for his next event. It’s a decision I told him I respectfully disagree with. 

Oh, hello restaurant bird!

He’s tanned, he’s rested, he’s ready — and he’s taking names. U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer was on the ground here, even as the House was poised to vote on President Biden’s agenda. Few people understand local politics the way Schumer does. He’s as shrewd as they come. 

This is not actually my drink. Although those might be my extra olives. Please note that I used the word “might.”

Trailed by those of us in the press, Gov. Hochul arrives at a nearby medical facility for a tour. This building was under water after Hurricane Maria in 2017 and unable to provide services after the power was knocked out. They recently installed solar panels on the roof to keep the place operating, even in a natural disaster. 

Black Shirt Club. Admit it. You’re jealous and want to join. Good news is — you can. It’s not very exclusive as long as you wear the right color. With State Senator Michael Gianaris. Photo Credit: Katie Honan

Mayor de Blasio enjoys himself some SOMOS. Good for him. Believe it or not he actually did an in-person gaggle with reporters. While his time as mayor is running out, he’s now eyeing a run for governor.

And I leave you with perhaps the most fitting image of them all to help capture what it is we do here. Live shots. Lots of them. I have to say, the technology is pretty amazing. Our equipment to quickly get images and sound on NY1 often works better here than it does in Midtown. It’s a phenomenon I can’t quite explain, but also one I shall not quibble with. See you all again next year?

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