Reported Leave Request Could Affect Bahía de Banderas City Council

José Israel Santillán Castañeda is the interim municipal president of Bahía de Banderas and assumed the position on June 24. Political groups close to the City Council are circulating a report that Santillán Castañeda is preparing a request for leave to participate in Morena’s internal process ahead of the 2027 elections. The possible leave remains a report circulating in the municipal political sphere.

The reported political activity is tied to an expected call from Morena and its allies to define who will lead the party’s municipal committees ahead of the 2027 electoral process. Santillán Castañeda would reportedly join people seeking to participate in that selection in Bahía de Banderas. Within the City Council, the question being raised is who would temporarily assume control of the municipality if Santillán Castañeda received leave.

Other councilors, the municipal trustee, and some municipal officials are also reportedly considering leaving their positions to participate in the party process. People close to the City Council say the leave request could be presented at an upcoming City Council session. That session is tentatively scheduled for September 28, although its date could still change.

The development follows a separate leave request by Héctor Santana García to participate in the internal process of Morena, PVEM, and PT to define the candidacy for governor of Nayarit.