### Former Collaborators of Prominent Politicians Join Amintha Briceño’s Team for PAN Leadership in Baja California
The deadline for registering candidacies in the PAN internal election process for the leadership renewal in Baja California passed on October 1. One of the notable entrants, former local deputy Amintha Briceño Cinco, filed her application on that final day. The contest for the state’s party leadership now stands between Briceño and Lizbeth Mata Lozano, a former federal deputy who had registered her candidature on September 28.
Following the submission of documents, the Election Organizing Commission of PAN will review the candidacies. Once approved, the candidates will begin their internal campaigns starting October 10. As part of the registration requirements, each candidate must propose a slate for the State Steering Committee and the Permanent State Commission. Amintha Briceño selected Julio Benítez, a previous candidate for municipal leadership in Tijuana, as her choice for the Secretary-General of the State Steering Committee.
Briceño’s proposed team includes individuals with past ties to influential politicians. María de los Ángeles Olague, who served as the major official in Tijuana under Juan Manuel Gastélum’s mayoral term, is among her team. Other proposed members include Miguel Ángel Barretos, Gloria Loza, Juana Sandoval, Toño Macías Medina, and Daniel Valeriano Aguilar.
For the State Permanent Commission, Briceño’s slate includes Loreto Quintero Quintero, who was in charge during the administration of Francisco “Kiko” Vega de Lamadrid. Other members named are Max García, Arturo Alvarado, Gina Arana, Carlos Aguirre, and Ruth Hernández.
Juan Manuel Gastélum previously faced allegations relating to licenses for gas station installations that allegedly bypassed environmental norms. Francisco Vega de Lamadrid, on the other hand, was accused by his successor, Jaime Bonilla Valdez, of illicit enrichment and related offenses.
Briceño clarified that she independently reached out to former collaborators of both Gastélum and Vega, downplaying any potential issues their involvement might cause within the PAN. She expressed confidence in their capability to strengthen and lead the party to a successful future.
Briceño also emphasized a proactive connection with the party’s grassroots and the importance of developing potential candidates for future elections. The final election for party leadership is set for November 10 across the multiple municipalities of Baja California.
### In Other News: Developments in the Baja California Region
In recent regional updates, several key occurrences have taken place. Illya Haro was appointed as the Acting Head of the IMAC Tijuana, marking a significant appointment amid ongoing cultural initiatives in the city. Meanwhile, authorities in Tijuana successfully disrupted a criminal ring in El Soler, arresting several suspects alleged to have committed multiple robberies.
On the cultural front, the federal Culture Secretariat announced new appointments, hinting at shifts in the cultural landscape. Additionally, a tragic incident in Chiapas involved the mistaken shooting of six migrants by military personnel, highlighting ongoing challenges in the region’s approach to security and immigration. The House of Deputies has also approved the “Ley Silla,” advancing the legislative proposal to the Senate, signaling legislative progress in government policy.
These developments collectively underscore the dynamic political and socio-economic environment in the region, as Baja California continues to navigate challenges and opportunities.