By Aliyah Salcé 
Image Credit: NBC News
On November 6, 2024, as the United States held its presidential election, Puerto Rico conducted its general election. What began as a routine process quickly turned into a pivotal moment in the island’s political history. In the weeks leading up to the vote, Puerto Ricans took to the streets and social media, expressing their frustrations with the status quo and calling for change. Their collective voice signaled that this election would be remembered as a turning point for Puerto Rico.
General elections are held in Puerto Rico every four years, coinciding with the U.S. presidential election. During these elections, Puerto Ricans elect their governor, the head of government, and the chief executive of the territory. For decades, two major political parties have dominated Puerto Rican politics: the New Progressive Party (NPP) and the Popular Democratic Party (PDP).
The New Progressive Party advocated for Puerto Rico to become a U.S. state, which would grant the island federal representation in Congress but reduce its autonomy. Republican Congressman Michael Waltz previously co-sponsored the Puerto Rico Statehood Admissions Act of 2019, stating, “It is time for the citizens of Puerto Rico to have the same rights and privileges as American citizens.” The NPP often aligns with the U.S. Republican Party in general elections.
The Popular Democratic Party, on the other hand, supports Puerto Rico’s current status as a U.S. commonwealth, emphasizing greater autonomy without the full privileges of statehood. Commonwealth status would provide more self-governance than the current unincorporated territory status while maintaining ties to the U.S. federal government.
For the past two election cycles, the NPP had won the governor’s race, and a victory in 2024 would mark an unprecedented third consecutive win. However, this year’s election was unique, as a third-party candidate gained significant traction, shaking up Puerto Rico’s traditionally bipartisan political landscape.
For the first time in Puerto Rican history, a third-party candidate, Juan Dalmau of the Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP), emerged as a serious contender. Polls showed Dalmau reaching 36% popularity, with some speculating he could win. The PIP advocates for full independence from the United States, envisioning a sovereign Puerto Rico free to chart its course.
Dalmau’s campaign resonated with voters seeking alternatives to the two-party system. Jorge Hernandez, a 24-year-old college student, told NPR, “For the first time, there is an opportunity for change. The bipartisanship is losing strength. I have faith that there can be real change.” This sentiment reflected a growing desire among Puerto Ricans to move beyond the entrenched debates of statehood versus commonwealth.
Jenniffer González-Colón, the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico since 2017, has been a trailblazer in Puerto Rican politics. As the island’s non-voting representative in the U.S. Congress, she has advocated for equal treatment under federal laws and spearheaded efforts for Puerto Rico’s recovery following hurricanes in 2017. González-Colón’s leadership earned bipartisan recognition and positioned her as a prominent voice for statehood.
Jesús Manuel Ortiz, an at-large member of Puerto Rico’s House of Representatives, brought experience as a journalist, public affairs advisor, and party leader. As president of the PDP, Ortiz emphasized issues such as agriculture, youth affairs, and health. However, his campaign struggled to energize voters amid dissatisfaction with the traditional parties.
Juan Dalmau, a seasoned politician and former senator, championed Puerto Rico’s independence from the United States. His platform included reducing tax advantages for wealthy outsiders, promoting small businesses, and addressing animal welfare—a topic rarely prioritized in Puerto Rican politics. Dalmau’s vision of a self-reliant Puerto Rico resonated with voters disillusioned by decades of perceived mismanagement.
The NPP secured its historic third consecutive term, with Jenniffer González-Colón receiving 39% of the vote (438,183 votes). Juan Dalmau finished a strong second with 31% (364,145 votes), while Jesús Manuel Ortiz and the PDP suffered a significant setback, earning just 21% (233,470 votes).
Dalmau’s performance shattered expectations, breaking the longstanding dominance of the NPP and PDP. His campaign demonstrated that Puerto Ricans are increasingly open to shifting the political debate from statehood versus commonwealth to a broader discussion about independence and self-determination. In his concession speech, Dalmau declared, “This is the beginning of a glorious transformation of our country. Thank you for helping me make history.”
This election underscored a growing appetite for political change in Puerto Rico. With a strong showing by a third-party candidate and increasing public dissatisfaction with traditional parties, the island’s political future appears poised for transformation. Whether Puerto Rico pursues statehood, independence, or enhanced autonomy, the 2024 general election will be remembered as a critical moment in its journey toward self-determination.