Córdova, Jorge L. (Jorge Luis), 1907-1994

Jorge Luis Córdova Díaz (April 20, 1907 – September 16, 1994) was a Puerto Rican lawyer, politician, and business executive. He notably served as Puerto Rico's eleventh Resident Commissioner from 1969 to 1973.

Born in Manatí, Puerto Rico, he graduated from St. John's College High School in Washington, D.C. before earning his A.B. in 1928 from Catholic University of America, and his LL.B. in 1931 from Harvard Law School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Córdova returned to Puerto Rico and practiced law, until 1940, when he was selected to the supreme court of San Juan. In 1945 he was appointed to the bench of the supreme court of Puerto Rico, serving until 1946. Córdova was a loyal advocate for Puerto Rican statehood; during the buildup to the election of 1960, he helped found the Partido Acción Cristiana (Christian Action Party), running as its candidate for Resident Commissioner, placing a distant third with roughly 7 percent of the vote. After the election, Córdova turned his attention back to Puerto Rican statehood; in 1968, Córdova was the candidate for Resident Commissioner of the Partido Nuevo Progresista (New Progressive Party, or PNP), narrowly defeating incumbent Santiago Polanco Abreu.

In the House, Córdova-Díaz was aligned with the Democrats at the start of the 91st Congress (1969–1971), sitting on their side of the chamber and being formally included on the Democratic committee rosters. With the exception of his pro-statehood stance, much of his agenda echoed his PPD predecessors’. Like them, he was sent to Congress to ensure that Puerto Rico received its share of aid from the federal government, an assignment that grew increasingly difficult amid the island’s growing prosperity. At the start of the 92nd Congress (1971–1973), Córdova was appointed to the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs. His assignments to three subcommittees—Mines and Mining, National Parks and Recreation, and Territories—illustrated his efforts to involve himself as Resident Commissioner in the daily business of the House. Córdova rarely missed a hearing or a markup session, and his new ability to vote in committee necessitated his identification with a party. Córdova chose to align himself with Republicans, who rewarded him with a seat in the party caucus in 1971. In the 1972 general election, Córdova lost by more than seven percent.

After his defeat, Córdova returned to Puerto Rico and became a business executive. On September 18, 1994, he died at his home in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.