Policy Matters Here

Puerto Rico became a territory of the United States in 1898 as a result of the Spanish-American War. Under the Treaty of Paris, Spain ceded Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States. Initially administered by the U.S. military, the island transitioned to civilian rule in 1900 through the Foraker Act, which established a territorial government under U.S. sovereignty.

In 1917, the Jones-Shafroth Act granted U.S. citizenship to residents of Puerto Rico. However, as an unincorporated territory—a political classification meaning the U.S. Constitution applies only partially—Puerto Rico does not enjoy the same democratic rights and representation as U.S. states. Puerto Ricans who reside on the island cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections, although they do participate in party primaries and send delegates to the Democratic and Republican national conventions. Moreover, Puerto Rico has only one representative in Congress, the Resident Commissioner, who can serve on committees and speak on the House floor but lacks a binding vote.

Congress last revised Puerto Rico’s governance framework in 1952 by approving a local constitution that established the island as a “commonwealth.” While the term commonwealth has political and symbolic significance within Puerto Rico, it does not denote sovereignty or a unique international status under U.S. law. The island remains a U.S. territory, subject to congressional authority under the Territorial Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Congress retains the power to determine the island’s future political relationship with the United States.

Over the past several decades, Puerto Ricans have participated in multiple referenda to express their preferences regarding future political options. Plebiscites were held in 2012, 2017, and 2020, often sparking controversy over ballot design and the choices offered to voters. In November 2024, a non-binding referendum was conducted alongside the general election. Notably, it was the first such vote that excluded the option to maintain the existing territorial arrangement. Voters were asked to choose among three non-territorial options: statehood, independence, and sovereignty in free association with the United States. Two political parties—the Popular Democratic Party (PPD) and the Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP)—criticized the ballot and called for a boycott. Despite the controversy, 58.6% of participating voters chose statehood, 29.6% supported free association, and 11.8% favored full independence. The pro-statehood New Progressive Party (PNP) welcomed the outcome.

To date, no congressionally binding referendum has been held to resolve Puerto Rico’s long-standing political question. However, several legislative efforts have sought to create such a process. During the 118th Congress, multiple bills were introduced under the title “Puerto Rico Status Act.” One version, H.R. 2757, sponsored by Representative Raúl Grijalva, proposed a federally authorized plebiscite to be held in November 2025. It would offer voters three non-territorial options: statehood, independence, and free association. If independence or free association were chosen, the legislation would authorize a transition process and a constitutional convention. A companion bill, S. 3231, was introduced in the Senate. Meanwhile, an alternative bill introduced by Senator Roger Wicker included the option to retain or modify the current territorial framework, which some advocates view as essential to reflecting the full spectrum of views on the island.

Puerto Rico’s political life continues to be shaped by three dominant parties, each associated with a different vision for the island’s future. The Popular Democratic Party (PPD) supports maintaining and enhancing the current commonwealth arrangement. The New Progressive Party (PNP), aligned with both the U.S. Republican Party and the U.S. Democratic Party, advocates for full statehood. The Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP) seeks complete political separation from the United States.

The Governor of Puerto Rico is elected to a four-year term, as are members of the Legislative Assembly, which consists of a 27-seat Senate and a 51-seat House of Representatives. The island also includes 78 municipalities, each governed by a locally elected mayor and municipal legislature.

Puerto Rico’s sole representative in the U.S. Congress is the Resident Commissioner, elected every four years. The office was created under the Foraker Act in 1900. Although the Resident Commissioner cannot vote on final passage of legislation, the position carries influence in committee work and legislative advocacy. The current Resident Commissioner is Pablo José Hernández Rivera of the PPD, who caucuses with the Democratic Party.