Mayoral candidate Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez was shot and killed on Sunday in Texistepec, Veracruz, during a campaign caravan. Armed men opened fire on her group, killing five people, including her daughter, and injuring three others. Veracruz Governor Rocío Nahle confirmed the attack during a press briefing on Monday, calling for full accountability. The killings have raised fresh concerns about safety ahead of Mexico’s local elections set for June 1.
Violence Erupts During Campaign Caravan
Lara Gutiérrez was leading a caravan of supporters through Texistepec when gunmen suddenly attacked. The shots left five people dead, including the candidate, her daughter, and three others. Three more were wounded during the ambush.
Governor Rocío Nahle addressed the media, saying, “No position is worth dying for.” She promised a stronger police and military presence in the state to help secure the upcoming vote.
The attack adds to a rising wave of political violence sweeping through the region in the lead-up to elections.
Community Grieves and Demands Action
On Monday, family and supporters gathered in Texistepec to hold a wake for Lara Gutiérrez. The atmosphere was filled with grief, fear, and frustration.
“We’re tired of this insecurity — this is terrorism,” said Joaquín Fonseca, a longtime supporter. “Five people died, not just one. We are living through the worst.”
Cruz Morales, a friend of the family, described how the violence has changed daily life. “People avoid going out at night or visiting family,” he said. “We never feel safe anymore.”
Pattern of Attacks on Local Candidates
This is not the first deadly attack on a mayoral candidate in Veracruz this season. On April 29, gunmen killed Germán Anuar Valencia in Coxquihui. Like Lara Gutiérrez, Valencia also represented Morena, the ruling party of President Claudia Sheinbaum.
So far, 57 candidates in Veracruz have officially requested protection from state or federal authorities. It remains unclear if Lara Gutiérrez had asked for security before the shooting.
Officials say local candidates are often targeted more than national ones. Criminal groups try to gain control over small towns and their governments through intimidation and violence.
Rising Concerns as Elections Near
Veracruz will hold elections in all 212 municipalities on June 1. The recent wave of violence has caused deep fear among voters and candidates alike.
Governor Nahle reassured the public that the government would not allow intimidation to derail the democratic process. “We are not backing down,” she said. “The people have a right to vote safely.”
Later on Monday, another violent incident was reported in Boca del Río. Armed attackers killed two federal agents and a third person. Military forces quickly arrived at the scene. Though local media reported the fatalities, authorities have yet to confirm the deaths officially.
Political Violence a National Issue
Political violence in Mexico is not limited to Veracruz. Across the country, dozens of candidates have been attacked, threatened, or killed in the run-up to elections. Criminal groups often use fear to influence who runs and who wins in local government.
Human rights groups and election observers have urged stronger action from both federal and local authorities. Many warn that without urgent changes, democratic participation could be at risk.
As the election date approaches, Mexico faces a growing challenge. Keeping candidates safe is now a top priority. For communities like Texistepec, the pain is personal and the fear is real.
The deaths of Lara Gutiérrez and her supporters mark a tragic reminder of the risks people face when standing for public office. With less than a month to go before voters head to the polls, all eyes are on how the government will respond.