Juan Dalmau Loses Puerto Rico Governor Race Despite Endorsements From Bad Bunny and Rauw Alejandro

In Spanish

Juan Dalmau, candidate of the Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP), was defeated by Jennifer González of the New Progressive Party (PNP) in the governor race, succeeding Pedro R. Pierluisi.

González emerged victorious despite her opponent counting with a movement led by artists like Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro, Residente, and Kany García, who campaigned on his behalf.

Local outlets such as El Nuevo Día report that González secured 39.45% of the vote, totaling 438,183 ballots, while Dalmau received 32.78% with 364,145 votes, finishing in second place.

A significant factor in the outcome were the 233,479 votes cast for Jesús Manuel Ortiz of the Popular Democratic Party (PPD). The candidate from this other traditional Puerto Rican political party garnered 21.02% of the support, a share that could have potentially helped Dalmau surpass González.

Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro, Ricky Martin, and other public figures who supported Dalmau have yet to comment on González's victory. However, Bad Bunny expressed his political stance indirectly by retweeting a post that criticized the electoral process, suggesting there were irregularities.

Residente, on the other hand, openly spoke at the PIP headquarters about the party's historical growth considering as it garnered about 31% of the vote—a significant increase from its usual two to three percent in past elections.

"I grew up seeing the PIP get 3, 4, 5%, sometimes 14%, but now it's at 31%. It's an upward trend while other parties decline. There's an awakening among young people; I feel that the youth who are now 15 or 16, who lived through 2019, understand what's possible when people unite. They are Puerto Rico's future, the future voters who will drive a generational shift," Residente said.

Meanwhile, Puerto Rican rapper PJ Sin Suela shared a lengthy message about the voting process. Though he stated, "there is nothing to celebrate," he, like Residente, claimed this election was only the beginning for a new generation that will challenge the island's entrenched bipartisan structure.

González's victory makes her the first female governor in the history of the PNP, and she will replace Pierluisi, who faced significant criticism for his handling of issues related to LUMA Energy, the company responsible for Puerto Rico's electrical service, which has yet to address problems stemming from Hurricane Maria in 2019.