ATLANTA – A comedian who called Puerto Rico trash before a Donald Trump-filled New York rally could have a major impact on Georgia’s presidential election. Puerto Ricans cannot vote in general elections despite being US citizens, but they can exert powerful influence by persuading relatives on the mainland.

Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe and the Trump campaign continue to face backlash for his racist jokes about Puerto Rico and minorities during the Madison Square Garden event.

Members of Georgia’s Puerto Rican and Latino communities expressed their outrage at a news conference Tuesday in Norcross.

“Words matter, especially if someone is going to be the leader of this nation,” said community leader Grace Williams.

The Trump campaign tried to distance itself from the comedian, saying Hinchcliffe’s joke about Puerto Rico did not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign.

Just a week before Election Day, speakers said the vulgar remarks could hurt Trump in key battleground states.

“One hundred thousand Puerto Ricans live in the metropolitan area, and we vote,” Williams said.

Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris is competing with Trump to win over Puerto Rican communities in swing states. Shortly after, comic Tony Hinchcliffe said: “I don’t know if you know this, but there is literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico,” multiple Puerto. Rican celebrities, including reggaeton superstar Bad Bunny, have announced their support for Harris.

Hinchcliffe’s set also included lewd and racist comments about Latinos, Jews and people of color, all key constituencies in the election.