Carmelo Javier Ríos Santiago, born on May 21, 1973, in San Juan , Puerto Rico, is a Puerto Rican politician and attorney affiliated with the Partido Nuevo Progresista *. He represents *District II ** in the Puerto Rico Senate, where he was first elected in 2004 as the youngest senator from that district and re-elected multiple times, most recently in November 2024 for his sixth term. Currently, he serves as **First Vice President of the Senate, Spokesperson of the Majority, President of the Commission on Federal Affairs and Status Solution, and President of the Joint Commission on the Córdova Fernós Program. Notable achievements include leading government agency reorganizations that saved over $150 million, such as the Procuradurías, General Services Administration, and Corrections Department; serving as General Secretary of the PNP ; and being the first Puerto Rican ratified as Vice Chair of the Council of State Governments . He is also a prominent national leader as past president of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators in 2018 and holds roles in NALEO, CSG, and NCSL.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Completed primary studies at American Military Academy in Guaynabo; graduated from Florida Air Academy in Melbourne, Florida, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel; holds a Juris Doctor in Law.
• Professional Background: Worked as an attorney and legal advisor for the Commissioner of Municipal Affairs and Director of the Legal Division of the State Insurance Fund Corporation; founded his own law firm in 2001, specializing in administrative, criminal, and civil cases.
• Political Career:
  • Elected Municipal Legislator and Majority Spokesperson in Guaynabo in 1999.
  • Senator for Bayamón District since 2005; presided over Municipal and Financial Affairs Commission and Government Commission; led debt restructuring efforts and advocacy on family, civil rights, and public health issues.
  • 2012: Re-elected and served as Alternate Spokesperson for PNP delegation.
  • 2016 onward: Majority Spokesperson and President of Rules and Calendar Commission.
  • National roles: NHCSL President , first Latino in multiple leadership positions across SLLF, NHCSL, CSG, and NCSL.