Top 5 Contenders Eyeing Quintana Roo Governorship

The Race for Quintana Roo’s 2027 Gubernatorial Election: Who Are the Leading Candidates?

With the 2027 gubernatorial race in Quintana Roo on the horizon, five key political figures have emerged as potential candidates. Representing the ruling alliance of Morena, the Green Ecologist Party of Mexico (PVEM), and the Labor Party (PT)—collectively known as the Fourth Transformation—these contenders are positioning themselves to maintain control in a state where opposition forces struggle with limited resources and leadership.

The Potential Candidates

Estefanía Mercado Asencio (Morena) – The current municipal president of Solidaridad (Playa del Carmen), Mercado has gained attention for her decisive leadership in a municipality historically dominated by the conservative National Action Party (PAN). Her landslide victory by a 20-point margin showcased her political strength. Among her notable initiatives is the proposal to rename the municipality as Playa del Carmen, a move that aligns with her broader vision for regional identity and governance.

Ana Patricia Peralta de la Peña (Morena) – As the municipal president of Benito Juárez (Cancún), Peralta has cultivated a strong voter base in the state’s most populous municipality, which boasts nearly 700,000 residents. Her political career has been marked by a steady rise through the ranks, and her charismatic leadership style has earned her widespread support. If she secures the candidacy, the sheer number of voters in her municipality could play a decisive role in the election outcome.

Marybel Villegas Canché (Morena) – A federal deputy with long-standing gubernatorial ambitions, Villegas first signaled her interest in running for governor in 2022. While circumstances were not favorable at the time, recent political shifts have reignited her aspirations. Her experience in federal politics and legislative work make her a formidable contender within the Morena alliance.

Senator Eugenio Segura Vázquez (Morena/PVEM) – As a senator with strong ties to Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa, Segura has positioned himself as a continuity candidate within the ruling coalition. His pathway to securing the nomination, however, will require either Morena’s official endorsement or a strategic alignment with the Green Party, which has a growing presence in state politics.

Josué Nivardo Mena Villanueva (PT) – The current municipal president of Lázaro Cárdenas, Mena previously ran for governor in 2022 as a candidate for the now-defunct Labor Party. Despite his party losing its registration, he managed to capture over 11% of the vote—a significant achievement for a third-party contender. His resilience and ability to mobilize support could make him a dark horse in the upcoming election.

The Selection and Voting Process in Quintana Roo

In Quintana Roo, the candidate selection process for gubernatorial elections within major parties often involves internal polls and negotiations between coalition members. Morena, as the dominant party in the ruling alliance, typically employs nationwide surveys to gauge public support for potential candidates. These surveys, combined with political endorsements from party leaders, play a crucial role in determining the final nominee.

Once the candidates are confirmed, the election process follows standard Mexican electoral regulations. The governor is elected for a six-year term (without the possibility of reelection) through a simple majority vote. Given the political landscape, the Morena-PVEM-PT coalition remains the favorite, but intra-party rivalries and strategic alliances will shape the final outcome.

As the race intensifies, these five contenders will need to navigate party politics, voter expectations, and emerging challenges to secure their spot on the ballot. With Quintana Roo’s rapid development and growing electorate, the 2027 election promises to be a significant political event in the state’s history.