Pedro Pierluisi

Pedro Rafael Pierluisi Urrutia is the current Governor of Puerto Rico, having assumed office in January 2021. His career in public service spans several decades, marked by positions in both the federal and local government.

Born in San Juan in 1959, Pierluisi earned degrees from Tulane University, including a Juris Doctor. He began his professional life as a lawyer, specializing in corporate law. His entry into politics came in the 1990s when he served as Secretary of Justice under then-Governor Pedro Rosselló. This role provided him with valuable experience in law enforcement and government administration, setting the stage for his future political endeavors.

Pierluisi’s most prominent role before becoming Governor was as Puerto Rico’s Resident Commissioner in the United States House of Representatives. He served in this position from 2009 to 2017. As Resident Commissioner, a non-voting member of Congress, Pierluisi advocated for Puerto Rico’s interests in Washington D.C. He focused on securing federal funding for the island, addressing issues related to Puerto Rico’s political status, and promoting economic development. He was a vocal proponent of statehood for Puerto Rico, believing it to be the best path toward economic stability and equal rights for the island’s residents.

His path to the governorship was not without controversy. In 2019, following the resignation of Governor Ricardo Rosselló amidst widespread protests, Pierluisi was briefly sworn in as Governor. However, his appointment was quickly challenged and ultimately invalidated by the Puerto Rico Supreme Court, which ruled that his confirmation as Secretary of State, a prerequisite for the governorship, was unconstitutional. This brief and disputed tenure brought significant scrutiny to his political actions and legal interpretations.

In the 2020 gubernatorial election, Pierluisi ran as the candidate of the New Progressive Party (PNP), which traditionally advocates for statehood. He secured a narrow victory, defeating Carlos Delgado Altieri of the Popular Democratic Party (PPD), which supports maintaining the current commonwealth status or pursuing a modified version of it. His election as Governor was a significant achievement after the tumultuous events of 2019.

As Governor, Pierluisi has faced numerous challenges, including navigating Puerto Rico’s ongoing economic struggles, addressing the aftermath of natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes, and managing the COVID-19 pandemic. He has prioritized economic recovery, infrastructure improvements, and securing federal assistance for the island. He continues to advocate for statehood, believing it to be crucial for Puerto Rico’s future. His administration has also focused on improving education, healthcare, and public safety.

Pierluisi’s governorship is a complex period in Puerto Rico’s history. He leads an island grappling with significant economic and political challenges, while also navigating the deep-seated divisions regarding its future political status. His actions and policies will undoubtedly shape the island’s trajectory for years to come.