Background and Political Career
Carlos Alberto Torres Torres, a former Panista and lawyer from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC), has been a significant figure in Mexican politics for over two decades. He was part of the democratic Christian generation that also produced leaders like Kenia López Rabadán, Gabriela Cuevas Barron, Rogelio Carbajal, and Ricardo Anaya.
Torres Torres served as the national youth secretary for the PAN and coordinated Líderes en Movimiento during Felipe Calderón’s presidential campaign. His political journey includes roles such as a federal deputy, Tijuana’s mayor, and heading the Sedesol delegation in Baja California to counter the priista Jorge Hank Rhon’s gubernatorial bid.
Transition to Morena
In 2016, while serving in the Baja California state congress, Torres Torres met Marina del Pilar Avila Olamendi, who was the technical secretary of the leftist bloc. Their relationship rapidly progressed, with Marina becoming Baja California’s governor in 2019 and Carlos supporting her throughout her political ascent.
The couple married in 2019, and their son was born three years later. During this time, Torres Torres focused on revitalizing the historical centers of Tijuana and Mexicali, though his efforts in Mexicali faced criticism over the delayed delivery of a statue honoring the Chinese community and its high cost.
Visa Revocation and Political Speculation
With two years until the next election cycle, Torres Torres had expressed his intention to run for Tijuana’s mayoral position once again. However, the recent revocation of his visa sparked speculation and potential misuse by political adversaries, according to Torres Torres.
“There is no room for lies or opportunism among those who walk the path of dignity,” he stated on social media, addressing the situation. “Believe me: it’s about people with no limits or scruples, willing to twist any fact into defamation if they believe it will give them an advantage.”
Marina del Pilar Avila Olamendi, the governor and Carlos’s wife, offered her personal, moral, and political support. She acknowledged the complex binational context and vowed to continue governing with integrity, focusing on addressing the challenges faced by Baja California.
