Puerto Rico elects first woman Resident Commissioner
Jennifer Aydin González Colón won a historical victory with 48.77% of the votes in the November 8 election against opponent Héctor Ferrer (PDP), making her the first woman Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico. González studied at the University of Puerto Rico, where she obtained a BA in Political Science, and a Master of Laws with honors.
González has held numerous leadership positions starting in 2002, where she served as the youngest member of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico for the 4th District. She resumed her position as a Representative in the 4th District from 2005 to 2008. González took office as the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico from 2009 to 2013, serving as Minority Leader for the New Progressive Party caucus since then. She will take office as Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico on January 2, 2017.
Her list of accomplishments continues to expand in her academic and professional career. She has received many awards from both Puerto Rico and the national levels, being awarded for her work with the Environmental Quality Board, Meritorious Service Award, and many others.
González becomes the fourth Republican to represent Puerto Rico in Congress, and is expected to strongly push for statehood with the support of the administration of Governor-elect Ricardo Rosselló.
