After the midterm elections, and a resounding win for the Republicans, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and other New York Democrats head to Puerto Rico for the annual Somos Conference. The Somos Conference is a big deal for de Blasio and his Democratic counterparts.

De Blasio and the New York Democrats flew to Puerto Rico this week for the annual Somos Conference titled "Somos el Futuro"; one of the main topics that they will speak on is the raising of the minimum wage, but it has been reported that Democrats are also there to drum up political support. 

Senator Andrew Cuomo will not be in attendance, but his Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul is expected to be there.

There will be a who's who of New York Democrats in attendance. Besides Mayor de Blasio, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, and City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito are going to make an appearance. The Somos Conference will start from this Friday, Nov. 7 and run for the weekend, New York Daily News reported.

Mark-Viverito, a Puerto Rican native, and Silver had arrived early on Wednesday. Also expected to make an appearance are Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer and some labor leaders, New York Daily News reported.

New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman stated on the Somos website what they hope to accomplish at the conference.

"The goals SOMOS espouses-political empowerment, civic engagement, advocacy on issues of fairness-are critically important to Latinos all over our state. SOMOS is a great vehicle for airing the concerns of New York's Hispanic communities, informing elected officials and the business community about people's aspirations, priorities and frustrations, and then translating those needs into action."

Other critics feel that the conference is another way to drum up political support behind the scenes on a host of issues. Last year - when de Blasio was elected - he campaigned support for Mark Viverito to be speaker, New York Daily News reported.

Besides Mark-Viverito, de Blasio's Latino contingent includes Angelo Falcón, the president of the National Institute for Latino Policy. Since Falcon, de Blasio has hired some high profile Latino appointments: Lilliam Barrios-Paoli, the deputy mayor for health and human services; Carmen Fariña, the schools chancellor; and Gladys Carrión as Administration for Children's Services (ACS) commissioner, one report suggests.

The conference, which is already underway, is held at the Condado Plaza Hilton in Puerto Rico's capital. Cuomo, although not at the conference, is reportedly pushing to increase the state's minimum wage to $10.10 an hour, Capital New York reported.

As it stands now, the Republican party has the majority in the Senate with 32-seats.

Democrat and State Senator Kevin Parker called on Senator Dean Skelos, the Republican conference leader, and others to to allow minimum wage legislation to come to a vote, Capital New York reported.

Kyle Bragg, secretary treasurer of 32BJ SEIU, was optimistic about gaining some ground at this Somos conference.

"We're here a few days after the elections. In the state, we've had some good wins, and some unfortunate losses," Bragg said, Capital New York reported. "What we want to do is work with any elected leader who want to do the things that will benefit the working families of this state. So there is no time, and no room for animosity or things like that."