Alejandro García Padilla facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alejandro García Padilla
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| Governor of Puerto Rico | |
| In office January 2, 2013 – January 2, 2017 |
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| Preceded by | Luis Fortuño |
| Succeeded by | Ricardo Rosselló |
| Member of the Puerto Rican Senate from the at-large district |
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| In office January 2, 2009 – January 1, 2013 |
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| Puerto Rico Secretary of Consumer Affairs | |
| In office January 2, 2005 – January 1, 2009 |
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| Governor | Aníbal Acevedo Vilá |
| Preceded by | [data missing] |
| Succeeded by | Luis Rivera Marín |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Alejandro Javier García Padilla
August 3, 1971 Coamo, Puerto Rico |
| Political party | Popular Democratic |
| Other political affiliations |
Democratic |
| Spouse |
Wilma Pastrana
(m. 2001) |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras (BA) Interamerican University of Puerto Rico (JD) |
Alejandro Javier García Padilla was born on August 3, 1971. He is a Puerto Rican politician and a lawyer. He served as the Governor of Puerto Rico from 2013 to 2017.
Before becoming governor, García Padilla held several important jobs in Puerto Rico's government. He was the Secretary of Consumer Affairs. Later, he became a member of the Puerto Rican Senate. He also led the Popular Democratic Party. He believes Puerto Rico should keep its current political status as a self-governing territory of the United States. He is also connected with the Democratic Party in the United States.
As governor, García Padilla worked with the Senate and House of Representatives. Even though his party controlled both, he sometimes found it hard to get support for his ideas. Because of this, and his low popularity, he decided not to run for governor again. He was only the second governor in Puerto Rico's history not to seek a second term.
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Early Life and Education
Alejandro García Padilla was born in Coamo, Puerto Rico, on August 3, 1971. His parents were Luis Gerardo García Sánchez and María de los Ángeles Padilla Passalacqua. He is the youngest of six brothers. His father, Luis, worked many jobs to support his family. His mother was a dedicated homemaker.
García Padilla grew up in Barrio Cuyón in his hometown. He went to Colegio Valvanera High School. After high school, he studied political science and economics at the University of Puerto Rico. He then earned his law degree from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico School of Law. He is the first governor of Puerto Rico to have received all his education there. He is also the first governor who has lived his entire life only in Puerto Rico.
Professional Career
García Padilla started his law career working at Puerto Rico's Court of Appeals. He was a law clerk there. After that, he worked as a lawyer, focusing on property, estates, and contracts. He also taught law at the Interamerican University. He later worked as an assistant for different government committees. He was also a member of the board of the Puerto Rico Bar Association.
Political Journey
In January 2005, García Padilla became the Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Consumer Affairs. People knew him for being trustworthy and easy to reach. He worked hard to protect consumers. In 2007, he left this job to run for Senator.
In the 2008 elections, he received the most votes among all the candidates for Senator. After the election, he served on several important committees in the Senate.
Running for Governor
On March 6, 2011, García Padilla announced he would run for Governor of Puerto Rico in 2012. He also ran for president of the Popular Democratic Party and won without anyone running against him. He took office as party president on April 4, 2011.
The 2012 Election
After the 2012 gubernatorial elections on November 6, 2012, García Padilla was elected as the next Governor of Puerto Rico. He won by a very small difference, beating the current governor, Luis Fortuño.
Getting Ready to Govern
Puerto Rican law requires a special process when a new governor takes office. García Padilla created a team of helpers and advisors. Many of these people later joined his government team, called his Cabinet.
As Governor
Taking Office
García Padilla officially became the 11th Governor of Puerto Rico on January 2, 2013. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico swore him in. The event took place at the Puerto Rico Capitol. This was the first time a governor was sworn in publicly in Puerto Rico's history. It was also the first time five former governors attended an inauguration. After the ceremony, there was a public concert.
First Actions as Governor
García Padilla chose a team of people from government and private businesses to be part of his Cabinet. He worked with the Legislative Assembly, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. His biggest challenge was dealing with the government's large debt and budget problems.
On his second day in office, he issued his first official orders. One order sent the Puerto Rico National Guard to watch Puerto Rico's coasts. This was to help stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal goods. Another order said that his Chief of Staff had to be asked before making new appointments or contracts. A third order aimed to control spending by government agencies.
Policies in Puerto Rico
As part of his economic plans, García Padilla started a program to save money. He raised some taxes and made changes to public employees' retirement plans. These steps were meant to help reduce the government's debt.
In June 2015, Governor García Padilla announced that Puerto Rico was in a "death spiral." He said that the government's debt was so large it could not be paid.
In June 2016, President Barack Obama signed a law called PROMESA. This law created a special board of seven members. This board was given control over Puerto Rico's budget to help manage the financial crisis.
Working with Other Countries
In June 2013, García Padilla visited Spain. He met with companies that make medicines and medical devices. He wanted to show them that Puerto Rico was a good place to invest their money.
In July 2013, García Padilla's government made a trade agreement with Colombia. Colombia agreed to buy medicine from Puerto Rico. They also agreed to share knowledge in different industries. Puerto Rico and Colombia also planned to work together to make products. This way, Colombia could benefit from Puerto Rico's ability to export goods to the United States without extra taxes.
After Being Governor
During the 2020 United States presidential election, García Padilla supported Joe Biden's campaign for president.
Family Life
Alejandro García Padilla married Wilma Pastrana, who is an accountant, on April 7, 2001. They have three children named Ana, Juan Pablo, and Diego. His older brother, Antonio, used to be the president of the University of Puerto Rico. Another brother, Juan Carlos, is the mayor of Coamo.
See also
In Spanish: Alejandro García Padilla para niños
