# Puerto Rico statehood petition > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/puerto-rico-statehood-petition > Updated: 2026-10-19T07:51:20.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 2. Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González Colón has signed Joint Resolution 66-2026, formally petitioning the United States Congress and President Donald Trump to admit the island as the 51st state of the Union. The resolution, which was previously approved by the Puerto Rican Senate, seeks to move the territory to an equal footing with existing states under Article IV of the U.S. Constitution. González stated that the move aims to secure full political rights and equality for Puerto Ricans, noting that the petition reflects preferences expressed in multiple plebiscites held between 2012 and 2024. The governor emphasized that this legislative request is a distinct mechanism from previous non-binding referendums. The request faces significant political challenges. While the New Progressive Party advocates for statehood, the local political landscape remains divided between those supporting Commonwealth status and those seeking full independence. Additionally, President Trump has previously expressed opposition to statehood, characterizing the prospect as ‘a disaster’ due to concerns over shifts in congressional power. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-19: Puerto Rico Governor petitions Congress for statehood Governor Jenniffer González Colón has signed a formal resolution petitioning the U.S. Congress to admit Puerto Rico as the 51st state, citing repeated voter mandates for statehood. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/puerto-rico-governor-petitions-congress-for-statehood ### 2026-10-16: Puerto Rico requests admission as the 51st U.S. state Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González signed a resolution formally requesting that the U.S. Congress and President Donald Trump admit the island as the 51st state of the Union. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/puerto-rico-governor-signs-resolution-seeking-us-statehood --- Cite as: Puerto Rico statehood petition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/puerto-rico-statehood-petition