Puerto Rico: Gov. Pierluisi Loses Primary

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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 Images

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.

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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.

Jacobin

Metaculus Prediction