Header Image Mobile Header Image

Publications

10/21/2024

2024 Election Data Brief: The Act 22 Donors Still Influencing Puerto Rico's Elections

Published By

Popular Democracy

    In May 2024, the Puerto Rico No Se Vende coalition, Hedge Clippers, and the Center for Popular Democracy released a report on the outsize access and influence Act 22 beneficiaries have over Puerto Rico’s elected officials.

    Between 2013-2023, Act 22 beneficiaries made over one million dollars in political donations. This money went to twenty-one different Puerto Rican elected officials, in addition to direct donations to the Popular Democratic Party (PPD) and the New Progressive Party (PNP), the two leading political parties on the island.

    New 2024 analysis shows politicians in the highest offices continued to receive donations from Act 22 beneficiaries this year, including current Governor Pedro Pierluisi, current Resident Commissioner (and 2024 candidate for Governor) Jenniffer González-Colón, leaders in the Puerto Rican House of Representatives and mayors in towns with the highest number of Act 22 holders–such as San Juan and Dorado.

    Electoral Comptroller records revealed that Act 22 beneficiaries donated over $210,000 to Puerto Rico politicians in the seven months from January to July 2024.