Senator Gustavo Sánchez Vázquez, who was poised as a candidate for the National Action Party (PAN) for the governorship of Baja California, died on Saturday at the age of 62. "A hug of solidarity to his family and loved ones." Sánchez Vázquez's seat in the Senate will be filled by his substitute, José Máximo García López, a former councilor of Tijuana. Sánchez Vázquez was a member of PAN for over 30 years; he was mayor of Mexicali from 2016 to 2019; a local deputy in the XXI Legislature of Baja California; municipal syndic of Mexicali from 1995 to 1997; and fiscal prosecutor of the Secretariat of Finance from 1989 to 1994. In 2019, he sought re-election as mayor of Mexicali but lost the race to Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, the current governor of the state. The head of state posted a message of mourning on her social media: "We regret the sensitive death of Senator and former Mayor of Mexicali Gustavo Sánchez Vázquez, a man who dedicated much of his life to the service of Baja California. I express my most sincere condolences to his family and friends, wishing they find comfort and strength in this very difficult moment." According to media reports, his death was due to health complications related to previous lung conditions. Sánchez Vázquez had served as a legislator since September 1, 2024, after gaining access to the Senate through the minority seat. He was part of the commissions on Legislative Studies; Treasury and Public Credit; Foreign Affairs North America; Northern Border Affairs; and Administration. The PAN Parliamentary Group in the Senate expressed its sorrow on social media: "The Senators of the National Action Party Parliamentary Group deeply regret the death of our dear colleague. His life was an example of commitment, dedication, and a vocation for service to Mexico. We join the pain that afflicts his family, friends, and loved ones, to whom we extend our most sincere condolences." Senator and former presidential PAN candidate, Ricardo Anaya, lamented the politician's death: "An upright, generous, and consistent man, whom many of us admired and loved. His voice, his commitment, and his example remain. Rest in peace."
