MORENA Shakes State of Mexico's Political Landscape

Delfina Gómez, the representative from “Juntos hacemos historia” (Together We Make History) coalition, won local elections in the State of Mexico, according to the most recent estimates published by the National Electoral Institute (INE). The estimates give the coalition, composed of PVEM, PT and MORENA, 52.1%-54.2% of the votes. This election marks the end of 94 consecutive years of rule by PRI in the State of Mexico. 

According to quick count, Delfina Gómez will be the first woman to govern the State of Mexico. “Today begins a new way of governing, a government of the people for the people,” said Gómez in her thank you speech after the polls closed. 

This election is not only seen as a state process but as a thermometer of possible voter preferences toward the 2024 presidential election, according to CNN. The State of Mexico is the state with the largest number of inhabitants in the country, 16.9 million, according to 2020 figures from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI). With an electoral roll of 12.6 million, the weight of the State of Mexico’s vote is significant.

With this win, MORENA increased its reach, which has not stopped growing since 2018, when in addition to winning the Presidency, the party won its first five states. After the Sunday elections, the “Juntos hacemos historia” coalition will be in control of 23 state governments, as PVEM candidate Ricardo Gallardo won in San Luis Potosi. PAN currently governs in five, PRI in two and Movimiento Ciudadano (MC) in two. Elections were also held in Coahuila on Sunday. INE’s quick count gave PRI candidate, Manolo Jimenez, a big advantage of more than 30 points. 

With this political map, Mexico approaches the 2024 elections, during which the next President, nine governors and 31 local Congresses will be elected. The 2024 elections will also renew the Senate and the Federal Chamber of Deputies, according to data by INE.