The assassination of Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, the mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, during a public event on November 1st, has once again brought into sharp focus the violence faced by political figures in the country. The mayor was shot while inaugurating the Festival of Candles; his death adds to a series of attacks that have marked this election year.
Similar to Michoacán, Veracruz has also reported at least 10 cases of political violence that have claimed the lives of officials, former mayors, and candidates from various parties. So far in 2025 alone, ten political figures have been murdered in different regions of the state, from the northern Totonacapan region to the south, on the border with Oaxaca.
The crimes occurred in municipalities such as Sochiapan, Oluta, Texistepec, Coxquihui, and Córdoba, where former mayors, candidates, and current officials—including Germán Anuar, Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez, Ignacio “Nacho” Pablo Sánchez, and Jessica Luna—were murdered in separate incidents related to their political activities.
- Manuel Andrei Gamboa Soto
On January 8, Manuel Andrei Gamboa Soto, Director of Governance for the municipality of Camerino Z. Mendoza, was shot and killed in Ixtaczoquitlán. Three people in another vehicle opened fire on him while he was driving an official state government truck.
The official crashed into another car after the attack and died at the scene. The Veracruz Attorney General’s Office opened an investigation, but no arrests have been reported so far.
- Carlos Ransés Neri Rodríguez
On February 7, the bodies of Carlos Ransés Neri Rodríguez and his brother Juan Daniel were found hours after they had been reported missing. Ransés Neri Rodríguez was a candidate for mayor of Paso del Macho for the Green Party of Mexico.
Both were found beside the dirt road leading to the town of Paso Grande. They disappeared while traveling in Camarón de Tejeda, a municipality near Paso del Macho.
- Germán Anuar Valencia
On April 29, Germán Anuar Valencia, the Morena-PVEM candidate for mayor of Coxquihui, was murdered. The attack occurred at his campaign headquarters, where he was meeting with supporters.
Six other people were injured, including a 10-month-old baby. The crime occurred just hours after the start of the campaign period in Veracruz.
- Bladimir García Soriano
On May 6, Bladimir García Soriano, Director of Public Works for the municipality of Ixtaczoquitlán, was shot in Córdoba. Although he managed to reach a hospital, he died minutes later.
The official was part of the Morena administration of Augusto Nahúm Álvarez Pellico. The Veracruz Attorney General’s Office confirmed that it has opened an investigation for intentional homicide.
- Martes Bárbaro Hernández Canuto
On the same day, May 6, Martes Bárbaro Hernández Canuto, a former Morena candidate for mayor of Oluta, was murdered. He was traveling in a pickup truck when he was intercepted and shot.
Although paramedics attempted to transport him to the regional hospital, he died en route. The politician was also a leader of the Authentic Federation of Workers of the State of Veracruz (FATEV).
- Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez
On May 11, Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez, Morena’s candidate for mayor of Texistepec, was murdered during a caravan of motorcycles and taxis. More than 20 gunshots were heard in a live-streamed video.
The attack left at least five people dead. Two men were later arrested as the alleged perpetrators of the mass killing.
- Ramón Valencia Pérez
On September 10, the Veracruz Attorney General’s Office confirmed the discovery of the remains of Ramón Valencia Pérez, former Morena candidate for mayor of Coxquihui, on a bridge in the municipality of Espinal.
The politician had been kidnapped two days earlier. His dismembered body was found inside black bags alongside another corpse and messages alluding to violence. Ramón Valencia Pérez was the son of Germán Anuar Valencia, a candidate who was also murdered during the election campaign.
- Ignacio “Nacho” Pablo Sánchez
On September 17, Ignacio “Nacho” Pablo Sánchez, former mayor of Santiago Sochiapan and former mayoral candidate for the Labor Party (PT), was murdered. His body and that of an associate were found on a stretch of highway in the same municipality.
The politician, identified with the Fourth Transformation movement, had been a key representative in southern Veracruz and described himself as a member of an indigenous group.
- Jessica Flor Luna Aguilera
On October 6, Jessica Flor Luna Aguilera, former Labor Party candidate for mayor of Yanga, was shot and killed in Atoyac. The victim was on her way to pick up her daughter from school when she was intercepted by armed men.
Her pickup truck crashed into the wall of an elementary school. Jessica, 35, was an Afro-Mexican woman and lawyer who advocated for access to justice for low-income people.
- Lauro Becerra Tirzo
On October 13, Lauro Becerra Tirzo, father of Lauro Becerra García, the PAN mayor-elect of Coxquihui, was murdered. The crime occurred at his ranch, located in the town of La Fábrica.
This incident follows several previous attacks against the family, including an attack with explosive drones in September. No arrests have been reported to date.
- Avisak Douglas
On the night of May 20, journalist Avisak Douglas was killed during an armed attack on the campaign headquarters of Movimiento Ciudadano candidate Xóchitl Tress in Juan Rodríguez Clara.
Although the attack was intended for the candidate, Avisak—who was inside the building—was struck by bullets and died hours later in a hospital. The state prosecutor’s office reported that two people have been identified as suspected attackers.
Source: lasillarota
