On November 5, 2024, Puerto Rico’s residents took part in a historic election, casting their ballots not only for the next U.S. president but also for their local leadership in the form of a new governor. The election took place at the same time as the U.S. presidential race, offering Puerto Ricans a unique opportunity to shape both their local government and their relationship with the United States.
With Puerto Rico’s political status and its economic recovery in the spotlight, the gubernatorial election was particularly important, as it directly impacts the island’s future. The results were closely watched, as Puerto Ricans were tasked with choosing between candidates who have different visions for the island’s future, including its ongoing struggle with fiscal challenges, recovery from past natural disasters, and the controversial debate over the island’s political status.
The Candidates
The gubernatorial race featured three major candidates, each representing a different political ideology:
- Pedro Pierluisi, the incumbent governor, ran for re-election under the banner of the New Progressive Party (PNP). Pierluisi, a pro-statehood advocate, was seeking a second term and had focused his campaign on continuing recovery efforts from the aftermath of Hurricane Maria and addressing Puerto Rico’s ongoing financial crisis. His leadership during the post-hurricane period and his handling of federal recovery aid were central to his appeal.
- Carlos Delgado Altieri, representing the Popular Democratic Party (PDP), was Pierluisi’s main challenger. A former mayor of Isabela, Delgado sought to continue Puerto Rico’s relationship with the U.S. while promoting more local autonomy. His platform focused on addressing the island’s economic inequality, improving healthcare and education, and offering a more locally-focused solution to Puerto Rico’s political status.
- Juan Dalmau, of the Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP), was running on a platform that advocated for the full independence of Puerto Rico from the United States. Dalmau’s candidacy was part of a broader push by some Puerto Ricans to sever the island’s ties to the U.S. in favor of complete sovereignty.
The Results: A Narrow Victory for Pierluisi
As the results came in, it became clear that the race had been closely contested, with Pierluisi securing a narrow victory over his rivals. The election turnout was strong, with voters across the island casting ballots for both the gubernatorial race and the U.S. presidential election.
Pierluisi’s victory was marked by his consistent message of statehood for Puerto Rico. While his platform also included promises of economic recovery, better disaster preparedness, and strengthening Puerto Rico’s relationship with the federal government, his stance on statehood was a defining feature of his campaign. With this win, Pierluisi’s administration is expected to continue pushing for Puerto Rico’s statehood, despite the ongoing debates about the island’s political future.
Pierluisi won with just over 51% of the vote, defeating Carlos Delgado Altieri, who secured around 46%. Although Delgado’s campaign had gained traction, especially among those advocating for more autonomy, it wasn’t enough to overcome Pierluisi’s pro-statehood momentum.
Juan Dalmau of the Puerto Rican Independence Party, although he received a respectable portion of the vote, came in third with around 3%. His campaign’s message of full independence for Puerto Rico resonated with a smaller segment of the population, but the idea of severing ties with the U.S. remains a highly contentious issue on the island.
A Divided Island
While Pierluisi’s win marks a victory for the pro-statehood movement, it is also a reminder of the deeply divided political landscape in Puerto Rico. The gubernatorial election reflected a broader split between those who want Puerto Rico to become a U.S. state and those who prefer the island’s current territorial status or advocate for full independence.
The Popular Democratic Party (PDP) has long opposed statehood, instead calling for greater autonomy for Puerto Rico while maintaining its relationship with the United States. Carlos Delgado, who ran on this platform, acknowledged his loss but emphasized that his party would continue to fight for Puerto Rico’s right to self-determination.
“This election is not the end of the conversation,” Delgado said in his concession speech. “We will continue to stand up for a Puerto Rico that has more control over its future. This fight is far from over.”
Implications for Puerto Rico’s Future
Pierluisi’s re-election has significant implications for Puerto Rico’s future, particularly in terms of its political status. The victory will likely mean a continued push for statehood, a movement that has gained traction among a significant portion of the population, despite the ongoing debates over its feasibility.
During his first term, Pierluisi made significant efforts to address Puerto Rico’s fiscal crisis, working with federal agencies to secure funding for disaster recovery and attempting to stabilize the island’s economy. However, there remains a lot of work to be done, especially when it comes to tackling poverty, unemployment, and inequality. With federal aid continuing to play a major role in Puerto Rico’s recovery, Pierluisi will need to work closely with Washington to ensure that the island receives the support it needs.
Another key issue that Pierluisi’s administration will face is the continued aftermath of Hurricane Maria and the recovery process that has yet to fully rebuild Puerto Rico’s infrastructure. Pierluisi’s handling of this issue, including ensuring that aid is used effectively and reaching the communities that need it most, will be closely scrutinized in the coming years.
U.S. Presidential Election Impact on Puerto Rico
Though Puerto Ricans were not able to vote in the U.S. presidential election, the outcome of that race will still have significant consequences for the island. The next U.S. president will shape policies that affect Puerto Rico, particularly in areas like disaster relief, healthcare, and economic support. The relationship between Puerto Rico and the U.S. government will continue to be a point of contention, and Pierluisi’s pro-statehood stance may influence future discussions at the federal level.
Conclusion
The results of Puerto Rico’s 2024 gubernatorial election offer a glimpse into the island’s future direction. With Pedro Pierluisi’s victory, Puerto Rico’s pro-statehood movement is likely to gain further momentum, while the island’s ongoing struggles with economic recovery and disaster relief will remain key issues. The election underscores the importance of local leadership in shaping Puerto Rico’s future, even as the territory continues to navigate its complex relationship with the United States. For Puerto Ricans, the work is far from over, but the outcome of this election will undoubtedly set the stage for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
