Here’s an Overview Of The Governors of Puerto Rico, Encompassing Both The Spanish Colonial Period And The Era Under U.S. administration, including Elected Governors

Here’s an overview of the governors of Puerto Rico, encompassing both the Spanish colonial period and the era under U.S. administration, including elected governors:

Spanish Colonial Governors (1508–1898)

Puerto Rico’s first governor was Juan Ponce de León, appointed in 1508 by the Spanish Crown. Over the centuries, numerous Spanish officials governed the island, typically appointed by the monarchy or colonial authorities. The last Spanish-appointed governor was Manuel Macías y Casado, who served until the U.S. took control in 1898.

U.S. Appointed Governors (1898–1948)

Following the Spanish-American War, the U.S. acquired Puerto Rico in 1898. Initially, military governors were appointed, followed by civilian governors under the Foraker Act of 1900. Notable appointed governors include:

• John R. Brooke (1898–1899) – First U.S. military governor.
• Charles H. Allen (1900–1901) – First civilian governor under U.S. rule.
• Theodore Roosevelt Jr. (1929–1932) – Son of President Theodore Roosevelt.
• Rexford Tugwell (1941–1946) – Last appointed governor before the Elective Governor Act.

In 1947, the Elective Governor Act allowed Puerto Ricans to elect their governor, leading to the first election in 1948.

Elected Governors of Puerto Rico (1949–Present)

Since 1949, Puerto Rico’s governors have been elected by popular vote every four years. Here is a chronological list:

1. Luis Muñoz Marín (1949–1965) – First elected governor; served four terms.
2. Roberto Sánchez Vilella (1965–1969)
3. Luis A. Ferré (1969–1973)
4. Rafael Hernández Colón (1973–1977; 1985–1993) – Served non-consecutive terms.
5. Carlos Romero Barceló (1977–1985)
6. Pedro Rosselló (1993–2001)
7. Sila María Calderón (2001–2005) – First woman elected governor.
8. Aníbal Acevedo Vilá (2005–2009)
9. Luis Fortuño (2009–2013)
10. Alejandro García Padilla (2013–2017)
11. Ricardo Rosselló (2017–2019) – Resigned amid protests.
12. Pedro Pierluisi (August 2–7, 2019) – Briefly served; appointment deemed unconstitutional.
13. Wanda Vázquez Garced (2019–2021) – Second woman to serve as governor.
14. Pedro Pierluisi (2021–2025) – Elected after prior brief tenure.
15. Jenniffer González-Colón (2025–Present) – First woman elected as Resident Commissioner and now serving as governor.