SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Jenniffer González Colón officially took the oath of office on Thursday as the new governor of Puerto Rico, during a ceremony marked by significant public discontent due to a recent blackout that affected the island.
As a Republican aligned with President-elect Donald Trump and a member of the New Progressive Party, González was elected to a historic third consecutive term after securing victory in the election held on November 5. Her administration is tasked with addressing the challenges facing Puerto Rico, particularly the deteriorating condition of its power grid.
In her inaugural address, González acknowledged the recent blackout, which had left over a million residents without electricity just as they were preparing for New Year’s celebrations. “There are many challenges facing our island,” she stated, emphasizing the urgency of tackling the issues at hand. She also expressed her commitment to enhancing infrastructure, healthcare, and education, including initiatives aimed at improving bilingual education.
“I will honor my commitments to you,” González declared, emphasizing her intention to serve all Puerto Ricans, regardless of whether they supported her in the election.
Prior to her swearing-in ceremony, González attended a Mass at Parroquia Santa Teresita, surrounded by family and advocates. “What better way to begin than to thank God and seek wisdom and strength to fulfill my obligations to the people of Puerto Rico?” she remarked to the media.
However, her entrance was interrupted by a protester who highlighted ongoing power issues, shouting, “Jenniffer, we came for you! Puerto is without power.” Additionally, a small group of demonstrators gathered before the Capitol, frustrated that an outspoken activist, recently elected to the Senate, was barred from entering due to incomplete certification by the elections commission.
Among the protesters was Yara Humarán Martínez, who expressed her skepticism about González’s ability to effect change, particularly given her elderly mother’s continued lack of electricity. “I don’t have any hope that she will change anything,” she said.
González has announced plans to appoint an energy “czar” to investigate potential violations by the current energy provider, Luma Energy, which handles the transmission and distribution of power in Puerto Rico. Yet, any contract cancellations will need approval from both Puerto Rico’s Energy Bureau and a federal oversight board.
On Thursday, power outages persisted as crews worked to restore stability to the grid following the blackout, which impacted 1.3 million residents earlier in the week. While services were restored to the majority of customers, many still faced interruptions as the infrastructure continued to falter, with concerns of additional outages looming.
To ensure the swearing-in ceremony proceeded without a hitch, backup generators were set up as well-known musicians prepared to perform. This event symbolized a celebration typical of González, a 48-year-old attorney and new mother, who earlier in her campaign made headlines for her vibrant personality.
Supporters and critics alike attended her swearing-in, some shielding themselves from the intense sun with umbrellas. Veteran government employee Amanda Sánchez León expressed optimism, stating, “Because she’s a woman, she’s going to be a great governor,” and expressed hope for improvements in crime, education, and the ongoing power crisis.
School nurse Lizbeth Rodríguez added that as a mother, González would likely prioritize the island’s education and security, though she lamented government financial mismanagement.
González, representing the pro-statehood party, triumphed over former Governor Pedro Pierluisi in the party primaries and later secured over 41% of the vote in the general election against other candidates. This election marked a significant shift in the political landscape as Puerto Rico’s traditional parties faced challenges in a rapidly changing atmosphere.
Now, González must navigate Puerto Rico’s precarious economic situation and fragile power grid, a legacy of the island’s $70 billion debt and the aftermath of Hurricane María in 2017. While most agencies have restructured their debts, Puerto Rico’s Electric Power Authority still grapples with an overwhelming $9 billion debt.
Puerto Rico will remain under scrutiny from a federal oversight board established by Congress in 2016, which monitors fiscal affairs and recovery efforts post-Hurricane María. González is faced with the daunting tasks of improving affordable housing, reducing living costs, and addressing escalating crime rates, all while the territory continues to attract investment.
While pushing for Puerto Rico’s status as the 51st U.S. state is a priority for González and her party, that goal necessitates congressional approval. Recent referendums illustrate a clear preference among voters for statehood, highlighting the complexity of their political needs as U.S. citizens who cannot vote in presidential elections.
“Statehood means equality, and I seek that access to opportunities,” González reiterated, expressing her commitment to ensuring Puerto Ricans have the means to advance their future.