Politics: Morena prepares for 2027 with strategies aimed at gaining an advantage over the opposition
Morena is moving aggressively to prepare for the 2027 elections. During its National Political Council on March 7, the party approved an accelerated calendar and rules for selecting candidates for the 17 governorships at stake, while simultaneously strengthening its territorial structure. By launching political activities more than a year before the official start of the campaign, Morena intends to repeat its 2023–2024 strategy of gaining a substantial head start over the opposition.
Although advancing electoral activities this early violates electoral law and undermines fair competition, the party has already demonstrated its ability to circumvent regulations by disguising the campaign work of candidates under the label of "coordinators for the defense of the transformation". On March 31, registration will open for aspirants to the 17 governorships. Through surveys and internal evaluations, Morena expects to designate its state coordinators by June 22, giving them nearly nine months of de facto campaigning before official pre-campaigns begin.
In June 2027, Mexico will renew the Chamber of Deputies, 17 governorships, nearly one thousand mayorships, and most state legislatures. Morena will defend 12 governorships and aims to maintain its qualified majority in Congress that holds when including its allies. However, several of its current governors face low approval ratings, serious security problems, corruption scandals, and alleged links to organized crime, particularly in states such as Sinaloa, Baja California, Baja California Sur, Guerrero and Zacatecas. These weaknesses could turn several races highly competitive.
Despite the opportunities this creates for the opposition, Morena’s greatest challenge appears to be internal. Deep ambitions among its leaders, the emerging power struggle between former President López Obrador and President Claudia Sheinbaum, tensions within its coalition, and complex relationships with organized crime are likely to generate significant internal conflict during the nomination process.
Now read on...
Register to sample a report