Who is Lorena Marisol Rodríguez Rivera? Interim Mayor of Tequila

On the night of Sunday, February 8, an extraordinary session was held where the City Council appointed Lorena Marisol Rodríguez Rivera as interim mayor of Tequila, Jalisco, following the arrest of municipal president Diego “N”. With six votes in favor, three against, and one abstention, the decision was far from unanimous. Nevertheless, the appointment grants Rodríguez Rivera the responsibility of leading the municipal government for the remaining 17 months of the constitutional term, specifically until July 2027.

Furthermore, the extraordinary session was convened by the Secretary-General of the City Council, Óscar Leal Landeros, and took place amidst intense political pressure. Councilwomen from PRI, Movimiento Ciudadano, and an independent councilwoman voted against the appointment, while a representative from Morena abstained.

Despite this, the absolute majority was sufficient for Lorena Rodríguez Rivera to assume the interim municipal presidency, positioning her as a key figure for the political, administrative, and social stability of the municipality, one of the most emblematic tourist destinations in

and the country.

Why Was Tequila’s Interim Mayor Chosen?

The change in the mayor’s office occurs following the apprehension of Diego Rivera Navarro, as well as three strategic officials from his administration: -Juan Manuel Pérez Sosa, Director of Public Security -Juan Gabriel Toribio Villareal, Director of Cadaster and Property Tax -Isaac C. V., Director of Public Works

This scenario compelled the City Council to act to prevent a power vacuum and ensure administrative continuity, especially in a municipality whose economy largely depends on tourism, the tequila industry, and the perception of security. While judicial processes continue and the legal future of the former mayor is determined, Tequila faces the challenge of maintaining governance, citizen trust, and economic stability.

Who is Lorena Marisol Rodríguez Rivera?

Lorena Marisol Rodríguez Rivera is originally from Palmitos, a community located in the Tequila mountain range, and comes from a family dedicated to agriculture, an element that has been recurrent in her political discourse regarding proximity to rural communities and local development.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, having graduated from the Mario Molina Pasquel y Enríquez Institute of Technology, where she obtained her degree in 2015. Her academic background has been one of the pillars highlighted throughout her career in public service.

Her entry into public administration occurred in 2019 when she joined the Ministry of Welfare, performing tasks related to censuses and direct public outreach, fieldwork she maintained until 2024, which allowed her to establish contact with various social sectors of the municipality and the region.

In 2024, Lorena Rodríguez Rivera transitioned into municipal politics by becoming a councilwoman for the Tequila City Council, where she actively participated in commissions considered strategic for social welfare and citizen participation.

Commissions in which she has participated

-Health -Hygiene -Addiction Combat -Environment -Citizen Participation

Prior to her designation as interim mayor, Rodríguez Rivera chaired the Commission for Citizen Participation, Health, Hygiene, and Addiction Combat, a position that allowed her to gain political visibility and proximity to civil organizations and community sectors.

Proximity to the Outgoing Administration

One of the points that has generated significant debate surrounding her appointment is her political proximity to the previous governing group. Lorena Rodríguez Rivera was the second proprietary position on the slate that brought Diego Rivera Navarro to the municipal presidency, under the coalition comprised of Morena, PVEM, PT, Hagamos, and Futuro.

During the previous period, she shared party affiliation, administrative decisions, and political alignments with the now-questioned administration, which has raised doubts about whether her interim term will represent a real break or a disguised continuity.