In a significant political shakeup that unfolded over the weekend in Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District, a young political newcomer has upended the status quo, defeating a two-term incumbent to secure the People’s United Party (PUP) mayoral nomination for the 2027 municipal elections.
On Sunday, August 17, 2026, 1,233 registered PUP voters turned out for the party’s mayoral convention to select their candidate for the March 2027 municipal polls. In a three-way race, 28-year-old local resident Maclovio Ack emerged victorious, beating out two-term sitting mayor Carlos “Obeah” Galvez and third candidate Francis Arzu. PUP Chairman Henry Charles-Usher announced the official results: Ack secured 554 votes, Galvez garnered 392, and Arzu took 209, confirming Ack as the party’s official nominee.
The result marks a clear shift toward new leadership for PUP in the southern municipality, with party voters opting for a fresh face over the experienced incumbent. For Ack, the convention win is the fulfillment of a long-held early political aspiration. A teacher by profession, Ack has built his leadership profile through years of community engagement, including serving as president of the Rotaract Club of Punta Gorda. He says his community work has prepared him to take on the role of mayor, and he plans to step away from his teaching career to focus fully on his political campaign.
“This is something I have always wanted to do at a very young age. This has been my aspiration, and I am here living this dream,” Ack shared in remarks following his convention victory. “Most importantly, I am doing it for my town. Punta Gorda needs a lot of attention, and I believe in myself. I believe I have the potential to be a part of the development here.”
Ack emphasized that his path to the nomination was built on on-the-ground engagement rather than empty rhetoric. “The beauty about it is that I am very well known in Punta Gorda. The people know who I am. They have seen my commitment in things I do. Part of my campaign was through action, more action than words,” he explained. “That is what I wanted them to do, to believe in me. That is why they came out convention day to give me their support.”
The candidate also struck a unifying tone, extending respect to his defeated rivals. “I respect Mayor “Obeah” Galvez. He is a very great candidate. In the PUP you have the right to go up against anyone in a convention. I respect both candidates. I have nothing against them,” Ack said.
Now, after clearing the first major hurdle of the internal party convention, Ack faces roughly seven months of campaigning to win over the full Punta Gorda electorate ahead of the 2027 municipal elections, where he will go head-to-head against the nominee of the opposing United Democratic Party (UDP). Ack says he will continue the campaign style that delivered him the nomination, leaning into actionable engagement with residents. “I ensured I put in the work. I met with the people and listened to them and I shared my plans for Punta Gorda. I am ready to work. I am going to continue what I have started. I have been working and I will prove myself that I am ready and serious about leading Punta Gorda. My campaign will continue to run through action,” he noted.
The convention result opens a new political chapter for Punta Gorda Town, as a new generation of leadership prepares to contest control of the municipality.