Richard Hancco

Richard Hancco Soncco (born 28 September 1978) is a Peruvian lawyer and politician who is currently serving as the governor of the Department of Puno since 2023.

Biography Hancco was born on September 28, 1978, in San Juan de Salinas District, Azángaro, Peru. He first entered politics while studying at the Universidad Nacional del Altiplano de Puno in Puno, Peru. When the threat of Maoist groups forced the Peruvian government under Alberto Fujimori to militarize universities, Hancco mobilized protests against carding of students and against the government's killing of Altiplano student Edy Johny Quilca Cruz. Hancco ran on a platform aiming to provide more public health availability in the region, increase food exports, and bring monetary poverty down from 42.7 to 35%. During the Puno crisis that began in 2023, Hancco supported the protesters. While marching with protesters, Hancco called on Peruvian president Dina Boluarte to resign.