**Carlos Torres Joins Morena in Baja California**
Former PAN official Carlos Torres Torres, who served as the federal delegate of the Social Development Secretariat under Felipe Calderón’s administration, has officially joined Morena in Baja California. Torres, who is also a project coordinator in both the Baja California state government and Tijuana City Council, announced his affiliation with Morena on February 6, 2025.
Torres, husband of the current Morena-backed Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, expressed feeling aligned with the ideals of the Fourth Transformation, a political movement led by Morena. He spoke about this realization after listening to President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo during her address on the completion of her first 100 days in office.
In his statement, Torres praised Sheinbaum’s vision and mentioned Mexico’s strengthened international presence under her leadership. His previous roles included serving as a PAN deputy in Baja California’s XXII Legislature from 2016 to 2019 and in the federal Congress during the LX Legislature from 2006 to 2009.
Through his involvement in various political campaigns spearheaded by his wife over the past five years, Torres says he has witnessed firsthand a government that prioritizes the populace in its decisions, further motivating his transition to Morena.
Torres expressed high regard for former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and President Sheinbaum Pardo, describing them as leaders committed to the dignity and well-being of Mexicans. He highlighted the impactful outcomes of Morena’s governance, such as poverty reduction, unprecedented infrastructure investment, enhanced social programs, increased wages, and advantageous fiscal policies, like VAT reduction, benefiting the region.
Despite past affiliations with PAN, including a controversial alignment with the “Ley Bonilla”, which aimed to extend the term of the Baja California Governor Jaime Bonilla Valdez, Torres was expelled from the party in 2019.
Upon joining Morena, Torres expressed gratitude towards the state party leader, Rosina del Villar Casas, and committed to contributing to what he referred to as the “second phase of Mexico’s Fourth Transformation.”
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**Recent Developments in Baja California Politics**
In another political shift within Baja California, Edgar Maldonado, a prominent figure in Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda’s administration, has been appointed as the new Attorney General of Morelos. His appointment coincides with ongoing legal and political restructuring efforts aimed at strengthening governance and law enforcement in the region.
In terms of infrastructure, Baja California has been designated as the host for five sports disciplines in the upcoming macro-regional phase. This acknowledgment reflects the state’s growing significance as a central hub for sporting events in the nation.
In a notable advancement in judicial administration, after a four-month vacancy, the Federal Prosecutor’s Office has appointed a new head for the Electoral Crimes Division, emphasizing the government’s continued efforts to maintain democratic integrity and justice in electoral processes.
Meanwhile, a significant decision was made by the Baja California government, with a 30-year concession granted to a private company for the operation of a toll highway on the 2000 corridor. This development is expected to enhance regional connectivity and economic growth, although it remains a subject of public debate regarding privatization and infrastructure management.
These events mark a dynamic phase in Baja California’s political landscape, highlighting the ongoing realignment and strategic initiatives that continue to shape the region’s future.