Introduction
Two candidates, Tania Gisela Contreras López and Eluzai Rafael Aguilar, are leading in votes for judicial positions despite being flagged by the organization Defensorxs as unsuitable due to their risky profiles. Both competed in elections held on June 1, with Contreras López running for a magistrate position in Tamaulipas and Aguilar for a penal district judge position in Jalisco.
Tania Gisela Contreras López: Tamaulipas Magistrate Candidate
Voting Lead and Background:
Contreras López is the leading candidate for renewing 10 magistrates’ positions in Tamaulipas’ Supreme Court of Justice, securing 217,276 votes—5.4% of the total vote.
Allegations of Corruption:
Defensorxs claims Contreras López is linked to a corruption, bribery, extortion, and fuel theft (huachicol) network in Tamaulipas. She has been criticized for attempting to censor journalists reporting on these irregularities.
Before the judicial election, the Tamaulipas Electoral Institute imposed restrictive measures against El Universal and journalist Héctor de Mauleón for publishing “Huachicol and Judicial Power in Tamaulipas.” The article discussed the familial relationship between Juan Carlos Madero Larios, ex-head of Customs Operations, and Contreras López, former legal advisor to Tamaulipas’ government led by Américo Villarreal.
Contreras López filed a complaint for defamation and political gender violence against the Tamaulipas Electoral Institute (IETAM) after the publication, which was dismissed. She then appealed to the Tamaulipas Electoral State Tribunal, resulting in a modified decision and a special sanction procedure against de Mauleón.
Defensorxs also accuses Contreras López of being a link between the Tamaulipas government and a corruption/huachicol network in Mexico’s National Customs Agency, led by her brother-in-law, the Customs Operations Manager.
Contreras López holds a law degree and a master’s in Constitutional Law from Autonomous University of Tamaulipas. She has served in various public positions within the local judiciary, prosecutor’s office, state government, and Tamaulipas Congress. Her most recent role was legal advisor to Tamaulipas Governor Américo Villarreal Anaya since 2018.
Eluzai Rafael Aguilar: Jalisco Penal District Judge Candidate
Voting Lead and Background:
Aguilar is the sole candidate for Jalisco’s Penal District 4 judge position, amassing 62,671 votes—5.9% of the total vote.
Allegations of Risk:
Defensorxs labels Aguilar as a high-risk candidate, linking her to the Luz del Mundo church, whose leader, Naasón Joaquín García, is serving 16 years in US prison for child abuse.
According to Defensorxs’ research, Aguilar has a law degree from the University of Guadalajara and limited experience in the judicial system, mainly as a legal advisor to various Jalisco municipalities. She lacks judicial experience.
Aguilar is associated with Hermosa Provincia educational institutions, reportedly laic but linked to García on its website. The site also mentions García’s influence on individuals building life plans.
Aguilar is the daughter of Luz del Mundo’s Bishop, Samuel Rafael Quintana, who led religious events praising García despite his US detention. Quintana’s involvement with APEM, a key institution for Luz del Mundo’s political and economic operations, is also noted.
APEM is headed by Rogelio Zamora, father of ex-Morena senator Israel Zamora, who have worked to expand Luz del Mundo’s influence in Mexican politics.
Pending Election Authority Approval
Although both candidates appear set to win their respective positions, election authorities must still approve their suitability, along with potential electoral tribunal appeals.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the two candidates in question? Tania Gisela Contreras López (Tamaulipas magistrate) and Eluzai Rafael Aguilar (Jalisco penal district judge).
- Why are they considered risky candidates? Contreras López is linked to corruption and attempts to censor journalists. Aguilar is associated with the Luz del Mundo church, whose leader is imprisoned for child abuse.
- What are the concerns regarding their backgrounds? Contreras López lacks judicial experience and has been accused of attempting to silence critics. Aguilar’s legal experience is limited, and she is connected to a controversial religious group.
- What must happen before their victories are confirmed? Election authorities must approve their suitability, and any potential electoral tribunal appeals must be resolved.
