List of Presidents of Dominican Republic: Past and Present

Last updated November 2026

This page lists the presidents and heads of state of Dominican Republic from 1966 to the present, with the years each leader was in office and a short summary of their time in power. Use it to find the current president of Dominican Republic, former leaders, and key dates in the country's political history.

Current president of Dominican Republic: Luis Abinader (in office since 2020).

Presidents of Dominican Republic in order, with years in office

Joaquín Balaguer

Served: 1966–1978, 1986–1996

Ruled for twelve years from 1966, lost the 1978 election, and returned to office in 1986; he left office in 1996 at the age of 89.

Antonio Guzmán

Served: 1978–1982

Won the 1978 election, ending Balaguer's twelve-year rule; he died in office in July 1982.

Jacobo Majluta

Served: 1982

Vice president who served as interim president for about six weeks after Guzmán's death in July 1982.

Salvador Jorge Blanco

Served: 1982–1986

Won the 1982 election for the Dominican Revolutionary Party.

Leonel Fernández

Served: 1996–2000, 2004–2012

Served non-consecutive terms, first from 1996 to 2000 and again from 2004 to 2012.

Hipólito Mejía

Served: 2000–2004

Dominican Revolutionary Party president who won the 2000 election.

Danilo Medina

Served: 2012–2020

Served two terms and stepped down in 2020.

Luis Abinader

Served: 2020–present

Won the 2020 election and was re-elected in May 2024 in the first round; his second term began on 16 August 2024 and runs to 2028, and he has said he will not seek a third.

Frequently asked questions about the presidents of Dominican Republic

Who is the current president of Dominican Republic?

The current president of Dominican Republic is Luis Abinader, in office since 2020.

Who were the previous presidents of Dominican Republic?

The presidents and heads of state of Dominican Republic listed on this page, in order, are: Joaquín Balaguer, Antonio Guzmán, Jacobo Majluta, Salvador Jorge Blanco, Leonel Fernández, Hipólito Mejía, Danilo Medina, Luis Abinader.

Sources: Wikipedia, List of presidents of the Dominican Republic and Luis Abinader; Associated Press, Reuters and Dominican press reports, including November 2026 coverage (checked Nov 2026). Shows the leaders since 1966; the interim president of 1982 is labelled.. Last reviewed November 2026.

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