Puerto Rico Sen. President Eduardo Bhatia Gautier said that he wouldn't run in the November 2016 election to become governor.
The announcement may leave former secretary of state and lieutenant governor David Bernier as the likely gubernatorial nominee for the Popular Democratic Party, which currently controls the governorship and both houses of the legislature.
Bernier announced his candidacy for the governorship Sunday. He is the only one who has done so for the PDP.
Puerto Rico Gov. Alejandro García Padilla announced Dec. 14 that he wouldn't seek reelection.
"Puerto Rico is in a profound, real, and dangerous crisis," Bhatia Gautier said in announcing a decision to seek to remain in the Senate rather than aspire to the governorship. "The political campaign is important, yes, but we have a huge responsibility to govern in very difficult times. My decision allows me to continue confronting the enemies of Puerto Rico without ties or restrictions.
"This is not an ordinary election year," Bhatia Gautier said. "Before November 2016 Puerto Rico has an uphill battle here and in Washington D.C. against those who want to squeeze us without consideration. We cannot just leave the governor alone. His sacrifice must be shared by others."
"The urgent task for me and the one that I will devote much of my time to, is seeking immediate political power with allies in United States Puerto Rican communities; alliances with the core Hispanic groups, with progressive groups to help Puerto Rico, and with serious and committed intellectuals who can lend a hand to the country," Bhatia Gautier continued.
Bernier responded on Twitter by saying, "I thank my friend Eduardo Bhatia for deciding to continue serving the people of Puerto Rico from the Puerto Rico Senate…. I know that he will keep collaborating with the transformation that the new Popular Democratic Party will be advancing for Puerto Rico."
The main opposition party, the New Progressive Party, has two candidates officially running for governor: U.S. Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi and activist Ricardo Rossell- Neváres.
The deadline for announcing a candidacy for the governorship is the end of Dec. 31.
