Government Secretary Fernando Guzman Perez Pelaez, Economic Promotion Secretary Alonso Ulloa Velez and Health Secretary Alfonso Peterson Farah are all seeking the party’s nomination to succeed Gonzalez as state governor. Human Development Secretary Martin Hernandez Balderas and State Comptroller Maria del Carmen Mendoza Flores have also stepped down, the former to coordinate Perez Pelaez’s campaign and run for senator, and the latter with the ambition of becoming mayor of Zapopan.
Candidates for the gubernatorial elections must all register before December 14, while the PAN will nominate its candidate on February 5. Voting for mayoral candidates and other positions will take place February 19.