Puerto Rico: Gov. Pierluisi Loses Primary

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Jun 03, 2024

Above: 2019: Puerto Rico interim governor Pedro Pierluisi answers questions during a press conference on his first day in the government's mansion Image copyright: Angel Valentin/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Imagesstory last updated Jun 03

The Facts

Incumbent Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro Pierluisi on Sunday lost the island's New Progressive Party (PNP) primary election to US Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón by a margin of 56 to 44%.
While both candidates are members of the PNP – the pro-statehood party — González is a Republican and Pierluisi a Democrat in US politics.

The Spin

Narrative A

Pierluisi may have had some success rebuilding the island after Hurricane Maria and boosting tourism, but González enamored herself to voters with a message about cracking down on corruption, revamping the healthcare industry, and combating the surge in violence against women. Together with her strong desire to make Puerto Rico a US state, these priorities will make her a successful next governor.

The Washington Times

Narrative B

It doesn't matter who wins in Puerto Rico because it's always run by a "uniparty" that prioritizes the desires of its masters in Washington over the needs of the people. While US intelligence agencies have successfully suppressed pro-independence parties in the past, a new coalition of anti-establishment voices is emerging. It won't be easy, but groups like the Citizens’ Victory Movement are gaining popularity.