From The Star Staff
On Monday, Jesús Santa Rodríguez, the Chairman of the House Treasury Committee and member of the Popular Democratic Party (PDP), declared that he has lost his legislative position representing the 31st District, which includes Caguas and Gurabo.
The departing legislator had completed three terms of four years in the lower chamber. He was defeated by Vimarie Peña Dávila from the New Progressive Party (NPP).
“I extend my congratulations to my friend Vimarie Peña for being elected as the representative for District 31. She has my full support to ensure the welfare of our entire community. Furthermore, I am here for the new administration and the members of the Legislative Assembly, as our goal is a better Puerto Rico,” the legislator expressed on social media. “To my colleagues in our legislative office, I appreciate your continuous dedication to quality service and commitment to excellence. A heartfelt thank you as well to the electoral team and officials who passionately contributed in every effort to uphold the will and conscience of the voters.”
Following the completion of vote counting from polling places in Gurabo, particularly focusing on early mail-in voting, Santa was informed of his loss by PDP Alternate Electoral Commissioner Gerardo Cruz Maldonado during a radio discussion.
“His opponent’s lead is already significant,” Cruz noted. “The mail-in ballots were predominantly coordinated by NPP members in his district. Therefore, we do not anticipate any changes.”
