Alejandro Javier García Padilla was born in Coamo, Puerto Rico on August 3, 1971. His father, a WWII veteran, held various Jobs throughout his life to support his family, including machinery operator, and returned as a general manager of a manufacturing company.  Alejandro’s mother has been a dedicated homemaker who still lives in the same three bedroom home where she brought up her six children during good times and tough times.  Alejandro is married to Wilma Pastrana and is the proud father of two sons, Juan Pablo and Diego Alejandro, and a daughter, Ana Patricia.

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree and law degree from universities in Puerto Rico, Alejandro worked as law officer in the Court of Appeals, legal adviser, Director of the General Contractor’s Association, and for various renowned local law firms.  He was also professor at the Inter American University School of Law and a panelist for an important political analysis program on local AM radio.

In 2005, he was appointed Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, where he became a tireless defender of citizen rights.  He managed to control fuel costs during critical periods in the Iraq War, when Puerto Rico kept the lowest fuel prices of any US jurisdiction, in spite of international instability and the high cost of transportation to the island.

In 2008, Alejandro was elected to the Senate with the largest number of votes for any candidate of both parties.  As Senator he has crossed party lines to approved legislation for college scholarships, economic development incentives and pension benefits for police officers’ widows.  He has proposed a wide variety of measures that promote job creation, innovative crime fighting initiatives, and consumer rights.

In 2011, after announcing his aspiration to run for Governor of Puerto Rico, he was unanimously elected President of Popular Democratic Party, During his tenure he as focused the Party’s message to one of hope and prosperity.

On November 6, 2012, Alejandro García Padilla was elected the tenth Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

As Governor, Alejandro will work to restore safety and security on the Island and create jobs for all Puerto Rican by promoting private investment and entrepreneurship.  To achieve these goals, he is guided by the principle that a leader must stand by his people and fight for the rights and opportunities for a better future.

Inaugural Address - January 2, 2013