Businessman Vélez León to seek PDP presidency in Juana Díaz.

Andrés Vélez León

By THE STAR STAFF

Businessman and professor Andrés Vélez León has announced his official candidacy to lead the Popular Democratic Party (PDP) municipal committee in Juana Díaz, following the resignation of longtime mayor Ramón Hernández Torres.

Hernández stepped down after a distinguished career in public service.

“Today I have officially filed my candidacy for the presidency of the Popular Democratic Party of Juana Díaz with joy, hope, and a deep commitment to our history and our people,” Vélez León said in a statement announcing his intentions. “I formalize this aspiration with the firm will to lead our party to a solid victory in 2028.”

At party headquarters in Puerta de Tierra, Vélez León emphasized the need for unity, stating: “Victory will be built with work, structure, and unity.”

“We continue working for Juana Díaz and, from Juana Díaz, for Puerto Rico,” he said. “May God help me!”

Hernández’s resignation became effective on Dec. 31, 2025, according to a letter addressed to PDP President Pablo José Hernández Rivera.

“A significant and honorable chapter in political life closes, in which, together with the PDP membership of Juana Díaz and Ramoncito, seven consecutive electoral victories were achieved,” Vélez León added. “That example inspires us to take up the baton for all the people of Juana Díaz.”

Electoral commissioner Ernesto González Rodríguez announced that if there are additional candidates, voting will take place on Sunday, March 22 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. If no other candidates emerge, Vélez León will automatically become the PDP’s municipal president in Juana Díaz.