Widow of Slain Mexican Mayor Sworn In to Complete His Term
Grecia Quiroz, the widow of assassinated Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, has been sworn in as his successor, vowing to continue his fight against organized crime in Michoacan State.
Quiroz officially took office on Wednesday after appearing before the Michoacan state congress, where she delivered an emotional speech accusing federal authorities of failing to provide the protection her husband repeatedly requested.
“Carlos Manzo’s legacy will continue, even if his voice has been silenced,” she said. “This will go on.”
Manzo, 40, was shot dead on November 1 during a Day of the Dead event in Uruapan — a city known both for its role in Mexico’s avocado industry and for persistent cartel-related violence. The late mayor had spent just over a year in office, openly confronting drug trafficking organizations and speaking publicly about security challenges in the region.
His assassination sparked widespread outrage and protests, with supporters praising his efforts to restore security. Manzo was known for personally joining security patrols, often wearing a bulletproof vest due to threats against him.
In response to the killing, the federal government announced an increased deployment of security forces to Michoacan. Quiroz will now serve as mayor until 2027, completing the remainder of her husband’s elected term.
Michoacan remains one of the most volatile regions in Mexico, home to powerful criminal groups including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and La Nueva Familia Michoacana.
