Political Jockeying Intensifies for Cancún’s 2027 Mayoral Race

Cancún, Quintana Roo — With internal polls for the ruling Morena party set to begin in three weeks, potential candidates for Cancún’s 2027 mayoral election are actively positioning themselves, ranging from those with official backing to those running independently.

The list of contenders in Benito Juárez municipality, which includes Cancún, is extensive. Some close to power believe they need only a “little push” to secure the nomination, while others point to their track record of public service or grassroots organizing work.

Among those with a realistic chance at the Morena nomination for municipal president are:

• Pablo Gutiérrez Fernández, the municipal secretary general, who recently entered the fray by packing a banquet hall for his birthday celebration.
• Federal deputies Mildred Ávila Vera and Marybel Villegas Canché, who have proven legislative records at both state and federal levels.
• Anahí González Hernández, whose close team is actively working toward a candidacy despite no public declaration.
• Jorge Arturo Sanén Cervantes, a state legislator and president of Morena’s State Council, who is advancing rapidly toward a possible nomination. He has worked closely with Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa since her term as municipal president from 2018 to 2021.

From the allied Green Party (PVEM), Welfare Secretary Pablo Bustamante Beltrán is positioned as their candidate, maintaining a strong social media presence and regular visits to the “Tianguis Verde de la 100” market.

The Labor Party (PT) has selected Deputy Rubén Carrillo Buenfil as their candidate, who will seek to position himself with voters ahead of coalition negotiations with Morena and the PVEM.

Other figures mentioned in polling include Verónica Lezama Espinosa, honorary president of the Quintana Roo DIF family services agency; state deputy Alberto Batún Chulim; Environment Secretary Óscar Rébora Aguilera; Movimiento Ciudadano councilor Jesús de los Ángeles Pool Moo; and PRI councilor Jorge Rodríguez Méndez.

The final candidate’s gender and party affiliation remain key factors, with the outcome still uncertain despite some contenders’ confidence.