In the rural Mexican town of Tepatepec, where Xochitl Galvez, the opposition presidential candidate, grew up, her ruling party rival is prominently featured on posters around the streets.
“No one is a prophet in their own land,” as the saying goes, and this holds true for Galvez in Tepatepec, where not everyone is convinced by her story of rising from rags to riches.
Decades have passed since the now 61-year-old senator and self-made businesswoman of Indigenous descent left her hometown in Hidalgo to study computer engineering.
During that time, Tepatepec was struggling with poverty.
Today, Galvez resides in Mexico City, where she is recognized for her Indigenous attire, informal language, and preference for biking as a mode of transportation.
In Tepatepec, the image of her opponent, Claudia Sheinbaum, is a common sight on posters, reflecting the strong support for the ruling Morena party in much of Mexico.
Some residents of the town, however, are not proud of Galvez and are skeptical of the stories she shares about her childhood, which include selling candy to help her family.
“When she talks about her tough upbringing, it’s not entirely true. It wasn’t exactly like that,” said housewife Feliz Manso.
“There are many people here who know her and hope she doesn’t become president,” added the 76-year-old at a local tortilla shop.
– ‘Hard-working’ –
On the other hand, Ruben Angeles Santiago, a neighbor and friend of the Galvez family, believes she is the most suitable person to lead Mexico.
“She’s an honest, hard-working, straightforward, well-prepared woman,” said the 65-year-old veterinarian.
Santiago noted a stark contrast at a recent national meeting of farmers who supported Galvez, which was not the case in Tepatepec.
After leaving Tepatepec, Galvez pursued education at the prestigious National Autonomous University of Mexico and later established a successful technology company.
In 2000, conservative President Vicente Fox appointed her to handle policy for Indigenous peoples.
Now, as the opposition candidate, Galvez aims to become Mexico’s first female president after the June 2 election, although she trails significantly behind Sheinbaum in public opinion polls.
According to a poll average by the firm Oraculus, Sheinbaum holds 55 percent of voter support, while Galvez has 33 percent.
Galvez, who previously led a foundation to support Indigenous children and women, has been open about her family challenges, including an alcoholic father.
Friends and relatives in Tepatepec mention her visits during important festivals, where she brings toys for children.
– Social programs –
Tepatepec, situated in the Mezquital Valley, relies heavily on agriculture as a primary source of income for its 11,000 residents.
Manso regrets the departure of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador after his one term, during which she received a pension of approximately $77 per month.
Plumber Jose Luis Ramirez considers Galvez to be the best option, even though she lacks popularity in her hometown.
“The issue is that people tend to believe everything they hear without critical thinking,” said the 48-year-old, who splits his time between Tepatepec and Mexico City.
He added, “They support Morena because of the financial incentives it provides.”
The debate around Lopez Obrador’s social welfare programs has been prominent, with his supporters accusing Galvez of planning to reduce aid, despite her voting in favor of them as a senator.
At the start of the campaign, she pledged to maintain these programs by signing with a fingerprint in her own blood.
Santiago mentioned individuals who plan to vote for Galvez but keep their support private for fear of losing their pensions.
He believes Galvez’s popularity in Tepatepec has risen after the televised presidential debates.
“Previously, I was convinced Sheinbaum would win. Now, I’m not so sure,” he remarked.
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