TL/DR –
Jenniffer González of the pro-statehood New Progressive Party is leading the polls in Puerto Rico’s gubernatorial election, with 39% of votes, according to reports from 91% of precincts. The Popular Democratic Party was pushed into the third position, while Juan Dalmau of Puerto Rico’s Independence Party and Citizen Victory Movement, secured 33% of votes and claimed second place. Additionally, the seventh nonbinding referendum on Puerto Rico’s political status saw 57% of votes favoring statehood, with independence garnering 31% of votes.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — New Progressive Party’s Jenniffer González Leads Historic Gubernatorial Election
Jenniffer González from the pro-statehood New Progressive Party is poised to secure a third consecutive term, for the first time in Puerto Rico’s history, leading the gubernatorial election early Wednesday. Read more about this historic Puerto Rico general election.
With 91% of precincts reporting, González has secured 39% (438,183 votes) according to the Puerto Rico State Elections Commission.
Juan Dalmau, contesting from Puerto Rico’s Independence Party and Citizen Victory Movement, follows with 33% or 364,145 votes; his position marking the first instance of a non-mainstream party candidate coming second in Puerto Rico’s general election.
However, no winner has been certified yet, as stated by Jessica Padilla, the commission’s alternate president.
González claims victory while Dalmau insists on waiting till every vote is counted. “This is the beginning of a glorious transformation of our country,” he said late Tuesday.
The major party supporting the US Territory status, the Popular Democratic Party, managed a third-place finish with its candidate Jesús Manuel Ortiz obtaining 21% or 233,470 votes.
The current Governor Pedro Pierluisi, defeated by González in a June primary election, will be replaced by the winner of this election.
Puerto Rico’s New Representative in U.S. Congress Elections
In the contest to become Puerto Rico’s representative in the U.S. Congress, Pablo José Hernández of the Popular Democratic Party leads with 46% votes, according to partial results.
Dashed Hopes
Dalmau’s impressive performance might indicate a shift from the two established parties, signifying voters’ increasing dissatisfaction with corruption, housing issues, and power outages.
Many, like Aisha Rodríguez Díaz, 37, believes the alliance between Puerto Rico’s Independence Party and the Citizen Victory Movement may bring about a change soon.
Question of Puerto Rico’s Political Status
Voters also considered a seventh nonbinding referendum on Puerto Rico’s political status. Options included statehood, independence, and independence with free association, which would negotiate terms on foreign affairs, U.S. citizenship, and use of the U.S. dollar. Statehood won 57% of votes.
Despite the referendum’s result, any status change requires U.S. Congress approval.
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