Puerto Rico, a current territory of the United States, is once again at a crossroads regarding its political future. This issue was a central focus of the 2024 gubernatorial elections, with the island’s main political parties offering competing visions for its relationship with the United States (PR51st, 2024). The New Progressive Party (PNP), led by elected candidate Jenniffer González-Colón, champions statehood for Puerto Rico. On the side, the Popular Democratic Party (PPD), represented by Jesús Manuel Ortiz, supports maintaining Puerto Rico’s current status as a U.S. territory. Meanwhile, the Puerto Rico Independence Party (PIP), represented by Juan Dalmau Ramírez, advocates for full independence from the United States (PR51st, 2024).
In the November 5th election, Jenniffer González-Colón secured victory with 39.45% of the vote, positioning her to lead the island forward in her push for statehood (PR51st, 2024). González-Colón has long been a vocal supporter of statehood and has contributed to the drafting of the Puerto Rico Status Act which outlines a process for Puerto Ricans to decide their political status within the United States (González-Colón, 2022). Her platform also includes proposals for economic recovery, such as securing equal treatment for Puerto Rico’s 3.2 million residents under federal laws, regulations, services, and funding. González-Colón’s broader economic agenda includes comprehensive tax reforms to stimulate growth, appointing an energy czar to oversee and improve the island’s power infrastructure, and increasing transparency in the use of federal funds (San Juan Daily Star). These initiatives have resonated with voters, reflecting widespread support for her vision of achieving equal standing with the U.S. as a state.
Juan Dalmau Ramírez, who placed second with 32.66% of the vote, focused on reducing Puerto Rico’s financial dependence on the U.S. federal government. His platform emphasizes fostering local industries, supporting small businesses, and pursuing sustainable economic development through decolonization (Hernández, 2024). Dalmau’s vision seeks to redefine Puerto Rico’s trajectory through self-governance, aligning with recommendations from the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization (United Nations, 2024). His campaign highlights alternative approaches to economic and governmental structures, enabling the island to explore paths beyond the current framework dictated by its territorial status.
Puerto Rico’s political status remains a deeply divisive issue. Advocates for statehood, including González-Colón, argue that achieving statehood would provide Puerto Rico with greater representation and resources from the federal government. Since the 1960s, statehood has been the popular choice in six referenda, suggesting growing momentum for this option (Duany, 2023). González-Colón’s victory reflects continued support for her efforts to advance Puerto Rico’s case for statehood and to secure its future as an integral part of the United States.
References:
(United Nations) Special Committee on Decolonization Crucial for Successful Evolution, Development of Non-Self-Governing Territories, Secretary-General Says, Opening 2024 Session | Meetings Coverage and Press Releases. (2024). Press.un.org. https://press.un.org/en/2024/gacol3374.doc.htm
Daily, J. (2024, August 21). González Colón proposes energy “czar” to oversee LUMA. San Juan Daily Star. https://www.sanjuandailystar.com/post/gonz%C3%A1lez-col%C3%B3n-proposes-energy-czar-to-oversee-luma
Duany, J. (2023, July 13). Puerto Rico has been part of the US for 125 years, but its future remains contested. FIU News. https://news.fiu.edu/2023/puerto-rico-has-been-part-of-the-us-for-125-years-but-its-future-remains-contested
Gonzalez-Colon, J. (2022, February 11). Statehood. Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón. https://gonzalez-colon.house.gov/issues/statehood
Hernandez, J. A. (2024, October 25). Juan Dalmau Ramirez: A Bold New Future for Puerto Rico. LA Progressive. https://www.laprogressive.com/foreign-policy/juan-dalmau-ramirez
PR51st. (2024, July 31). Political Parties in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico 51st. https://www.pr51st.com/political-parties-in-puerto-rico/