1996 Puerto Rican gubernatorial election

The 1996 Puerto Rican gubernatorial election was held to choose the island’s governor. Sila María Calderón, affiliated with the Popular Democratic Party, narrowly defeated Pedro Rosselló of the New Progressive Party, winning approximately 50.2% of the vote. Rosselló, the incumbent governor, was seeking a third term but was ultimately unsuccessful. The election reflected a competitive political landscape with close contests between party candidates. Calderón's victory marked a significant political shift, as she became the first woman elected governor of Puerto Rico, emphasizing themes of social justice and government transparency.