Gonzalo Castillo, former Minister of Public Works, registered this Sunday as a presidential aspirant for the PLD during the Central Committee meeting held at the San Carlos Club sports center. The validation of his candidacy by the committee marks a milestone in the internal dynamics of the Dominican Liberation Party, ahead of an electoral 2026 full of expectations.
Context of the Central Committee meeting
Convened by the Political Committee, the session addressed the Protocol for Presidential Aspirations and the Preliminary List of Aspirants. This document has sparked internal debates, reflecting divisions and forming alliances within the PLD, founded in 1973 by Juan Bosch and historically led by figures such as Danilo Medina.
Other figures accompanying Gonzalo Castillo in the race
- Francisco Javier García, former Minister of Tourism with experience in previous campaigns.
- Luis de León, known for his career in the party’s organizational sectors.
- Charlie Mariotti, businessman with a moderate profile.
- Manfre Rodríguez, linked to grassroots bases.
- Francisco Domínguez Brito, former prosecutor with previous aspirations in 2020.
- Ramón Ventura Camejo, veteran of PLD politics.
Background of Gonzalo Castillo in Dominican politics
Gonzalo Castillo took office as Minister of Public Works in 2012 under the government of Danilo Medina, promoting infrastructure projects that benefited millions, according to data from the Ministry of Public Works. His administration included the paving of more than 10,000 kilometers of roads, a record that strengthens his image as an efficient manager. In 2020, he already explored presidential options, but the PLD prioritized unity.
Analysts point out that the registration of Gonzalo Castillo responds to internal polls where he appears with solid support among 25-30% of the membership, according to unofficial surveys by firms like CID-Gallup. This move intensifies the competition for the official nomination, scheduled for mid-2026.
The PLD, which governed from 2004 to 2020, seeks to regain ground following the victory of Luis Abinader in 2020 and his reelection in 2024. The preliminary list of aspirants, featuring seven prominent names, forces the Central Committee to define clear rules for open primaries, avoiding fractures like those in past elections.
Experts in Dominican politics, such as Professor Roselio Isaura, point out that candidacies like that of Gonzalo Castillo represent a balance between executive experience and connection with the rural electorate. In a landscape with seven pre-candidates, the race promises debates on the economy, security, and corruption.
The registration of Gonzalo Castillo not only validates his career, but also accelerates the electoral pulse in the Dominican Republic, with an eye toward the presidential elections of May 2026.
