Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi of Puerto Rico suffered a surprising defeat in his bid for a second term, losing to Representative Jenniffer González-Colón in a rancorous primary for the New Progressive Party. The defeat marks a rare occurrence of a sitting governor being ousted on the island.
Four years ago, Pierluisi and González-Colón ran as allies, promising unity after a tumultuous period in Puerto Rican politics. However, in this primary, González-Colón challenged Pierluisi, portraying his administration as out of touch and ineffective.
The primary results reflect a shifting political landscape in Puerto Rico, with growing support for newer, smaller parties that are less focused on the island’s political status. The upcoming general election on Nov. 5 will see State Representative Jesús Manuel Ortiz facing off against State Senator Juan Zaragoza for the Popular Democratic Party.
Puerto Rico has been grappling with economic challenges exacerbated by a financial crisis, Hurricane Maria, and the coronavirus pandemic. Many residents are frustrated by ongoing issues such as power outages, a housing crisis, and high living costs.
In the midst of this upheaval, Puerto Rico’s politics are evolving, with newer parties like the Citizen Victory Movement and Project Dignity gaining traction. The Citizen Victory Movement has formed an alliance with the Puerto Rican Independence Party, with their candidate for governor being Juan Dalmau.
Governor Pierluisi, who was elected in 2020 after defeating his predecessor, Governor Wanda Vázquez, highlighted economic improvements and ongoing projects during his campaign. However, González-Colón focused on condemning public corruption and addressing everyday pocketbook issues that resonate with Puerto Rican voters.
The upcoming general election will be closely watched as Puerto Rico navigates a changing political landscape and seeks solutions to its pressing economic and social challenges.
