Héctor Ferrer
Héctor J. Ferrer Ríos | |
---|---|
Cámara de Representantes de Puerto Rico | |
Minority Leader of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives | |
In office January 2, 2005 – March 15, 2012 | |
Preceded by | Aníbal Vega Borges |
Succeeded by | Luis Raúl Torres Cruz |
At-Large Member of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives | |
In office January 2, 2005 – March 15, 2012 | |
Preceded by | Jorge de Castro Font |
Member of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives from the District 29 | |
In office January 2, 2001 – January 2, 2005 | |
Preceded by | Luis Aramburu Díaz |
Succeeded by | Pedro Cintrón Rodríguez |
Majority Whip of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives | |
In office January 2, 2001 – December 31, 2004 | |
Preceded by | Iris M. Ruiz Class |
Succeeded by | María L. Ramos Rivera |
President of the Popular Democratic Party | |
In office December 2008 – 2011 | |
Preceded by | Aníbal Acevedo Vilá |
Succeeded by | Alejandro García Padilla |
Personal details | |
Born | San Juan, Puerto Rico | March 27, 1970
Political party | Popular Democratic Party of Puerto Rico Democratic Party |
Domestic partner | Elisa Hernández |
Héctor J. Ferrer Ríos (born March 27, 1970) is a Puerto Rican politician and lawyer. He was a member of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives from 2001 to 2012. He was also President of the Popular Democratic Party of Puerto Rico from 2008 to 2011.[1]
Ferrer resigned all his political posts on February 28, 2012 after a domestic abuse scandal that began with his arrest on February 23, 2012.
Early years and studies
Ferrer was born on March 27, 1970 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He received a sports scholarship in baseball to study at the University of North Carolina. There, he received a Bachelor's degree with a major in Economics and Industrial Relations. He then received a Juris doctor from the School of Law of the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. In march 1997, he was one of the top 10 grades at the bar exam.[2]
Professional career
After graduating, Ferrer worked as a private attorney.
Political career
Ferrer was elected to the Puerto Rico House of Representatives at the 2000 general elections, to represent District 29.[3] During his first term, he served as Majority Whip for the PPD, and presided the Committees of Ethics, Federal and International Affairs, and Consumer Affairs.[4]
Ferrer was reelected at the 2004 general elections, this time as a Representative At-large.[5] This time, his party lost the Majority in both the Senate and the House, and Ferrer took over as Minority Speaker.
In 2008, Ferrer was reelected for a third consecutive term, being the candidate with the most votes for the position among all candidates.[6] Due to the defeat of the PPD in the race for Governor and both the Senate and the House, Ferrer remained as Minority Speaker.
The defeat of the PPD led to the resignation of Aníbal Acevedo Vilá as President. Héctor Ferrer became President of the party in November 10, 2008 after a meeting of the Board of Directors which included veteran leaders like Héctor Luis Acevedo, Rafael Hernández Colón, and Miguel Hernández Agosto.[7]
In 2011, he surrendered the presidency of the party to new gubernatorial candidate, Alejandro García Padilla. He had initially announced his intentions to run for Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico, but then announced his decision to run for mayor of San Juan, against incumbent Jorge Santini at the 2012 general elections.
Resignation
In February 2012, Ferrer was involved in a scandal after accusations of domestic abuse against him. With conflicting versions surrounding the circumstances of the events and how it was handled, Ferrer presented his resignation to all his political positions on February 28, 2012. The resignation is effective on March 15, 2012.[8]
Personal life
Ferrer was in a relationship Elisa "Beba" Hernández for seven years. They have a son together. Ferrer has two other children from a previous relationship. Ferrer's brother, Eduardo, was elected to the House of Representatives in 2012.
Domestic abuse scandal
In February 23, 2012, Ferrer was detained after allegations of domestic abuse against his long-term partner.[9] Initially, Hernández had issued a protection order against Ferrer for one year. However, shortly after, she asked for it to be retired.[10]
Sports
Ferrer is an avid athlete and he practices a variety of sports. He studied at the University of North Carolina thanks to a scholarship in baseball, but also practices jogging, cycling, and swimming, among others.
References
- ↑ http://ppdpr.net/partido/presidente/ PDP Party President Biography
- ↑ Héctor Ferrer on CamaraDeRepresentantes
- ↑ Elecciones Generales de 2000: Representante de Distrito 29 on CEEPUR
- ↑ "Trayectoria de Héctor Ferrer". El Nuevo Díadate=February 23, 2012.
- ↑ Elecciones Generales 2004: Representantes por Acumulación on CEEPUR
- ↑ Elecciones Generales 2008: Representante por Acumulación on CEEPUR
- ↑ "Trayectoria de Héctor Ferrer". El Nuevo Díadate=February 23, 2012.
- ↑ "Héctor Ferrer renuncia a todos sus puestos políticos". El Nuevo Día. February 28, 2012.
- ↑ Maribel Hernández (February 23, 2012). "Héctor Ferrer arrestado por violencia doméstica". El Nuevo Día.
- ↑ Santiago, Yaritza (February 26, 2012). ""Revive" Héctor Ferrer". El Nuevo Día.