Pedro Cortés
Pedro Cortés | |
|---|---|
| Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania | |
| In office January 20, 2015 – October 11, 2017 | |
| Governor | Tom Wolf |
| Preceded by | Carol Aichele |
| Succeeded by | Robert Torres (Acting) |
| In office April 2, 2003 – June 10, 2010 | |
| Governor | Ed Rendell |
| Preceded by | Michael Weaver |
| Succeeded by | Basil Merenda |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 28, 1966 Carolina, Puerto Rico |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Lissette Lizardi |
| Children | 1 |
| Education | University of Massachusetts Amherst (BS) Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg (MPA) Dickinson School of Law (JD) |
Pedro A. Cortés (born May 28, 1966) is an American government official. He served twice in the role of Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, originally from 2003 to 2010 until Governor Ed Rendell and later from 2015 to 2017 under Governor Tom Wolf.
Cortés was the first Latino confirmed to a position in the state cabinet, and holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Secretary of the Commonwealth in Pennsylvania history. Additionally, Cortés was the first Puerto Rican to serve in a state secretary of state role outside of Puerto Rico.
In 2017, Cortés resigned following reports of a glitch that allowed ineligible immigrants to register to vote when applying for or renewing drivers licenses.