Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory with a long history that spans Spanish colonial rule, American sovereignty after 1898, and continuing debate over status, representation, and self-government. Today its government is centered in San Juan and operates through an elected governor and a bicameral Legislative Assembly, with territorial status remaining one of the defining questions of public life.

Median household income$25,621
Poverty rate39.6%
Median age45.0

Government & Representation

Use this section to understand how the state organizes executive authority, legislative power, and federal representation.

Puerto Rico’s territorial government is organized around an elected governor and a bicameral Legislative Assembly composed of a Senate and a House of Representatives. Its local constitutional order operates within the broader territorial relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States.

Governorfortaleza.pr.gov

LegislatureLegislative Assembly of Puerto Rico

Legislature structureBicameral

Legislative chambersSenate and House of Representatives

State legislature websitesenado.pr.gov

Legislative searchsenado.pr.gov

State constitutionlexjuris.com

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U.S. House delegation

House seats are apportioned by population and organized by congressional district, except for at-large delegations where applicable.

Pablo Jose Hernández

Representative Pablo Jose Hernández

Puerto Rico

Democratic Party

Pablo has served in Congress since 2025.