Puerto Rico shadow delegation to the U.S. Senate

Puerto Rico's shadow delegation to the U.S. Senate consisted of two delegates who were tasked with advocating for statehood for Puerto Rico. Shadow delegates were not able to vote on legislation.

Puerto Rico's shadow delegation was distinct from the Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner.

Background

Puerto Rico held an island-wide referendum on statehood on November 3, 2020. Voters answered the following question: "Should Puerto Rico be immediately admitted into the Union as a state?" While 52.34% of voters approved of statehood, 47.66% disapproved.

In response to the referendum, the Puerto Rico Legislative Assembly passed Act 167 in December 2020. Act 167 provided for the creation of a shadow congressional delegation to advocate for statehood. The delegation consisted of four delegates to the U.S. House and two delegates to the U.S. Senate.

Voters elected the first shadow delegation in a special election on May 16, 2021. The delegation served a term beginning July 1, 2021, and ending December 31, 2024.

Delegates

Puerto Rico's shadow delegation to the U.S. Senate consisted of the following members:

• Melinda Romero Donnelly
• Zoraida Buxó Santiago

Elections

2021

General election

Special general election for U.S. Shadow Senator Puerto Rico (2 seats)

Melinda Romero Donnelly and Zoraida Buxó Santiago defeated Victor Perez Rentas and Roberto López Román in the special general election for U.S. Shadow Senator Puerto Rico on May 16, 2021.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Melinda Romero Donnelly (Nonpartisan)	34.3	57,916
✔		Zoraida Buxó Santiago (Nonpartisan)	27.3	46,222
	Submit photo	Victor Perez Rentas (Nonpartisan)	16.5	27,900
		Roberto López Román (Nonpartisan)	11.6	19,565
		Other/Write-in votes	10.3	17,424

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source 1 Source 2	Total votes: 169,027
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See also

• Puerto Rico shadow delegation to the U.S. House
• United States Shadow Senate special elections in Puerto Rico, 2021
• United States Shadow House of Representatives special elections in Puerto Rico, 2021
• Puerto Rico's Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives

External links

• Search Google News for this topic