Mexico’s ruling Morena party, led by President Luisa María Alcalde Luján, is navigating a crucial period of internal organization as it prepares for the 2027 elections. The party recently concluded a key meeting of its National Council, solidifying its strategy for territorial organization and establishing general criteria for its internal selection process. This comes as Morena continues to hold significant power across the Mexican political landscape, controlling the presidency, both houses of Congress, and a majority of governorships.
The VII Ordinary Session of Morena’s National Council, held on March 7, 2026, saw unanimous approval of the organizational strategy and criteria for the 2026-2027 internal process. The meeting, attended by 287 council members, focused on establishing a framework for selecting candidates at the state, district, and municipal levels. This move underscores the party’s commitment to maintaining unity as it approaches upcoming electoral contests. The party’s influence extends beyond legislative control, with increasing influence over the federal judiciary, as many elected judges have ties to Morena. Morena’s current dominance in Mexican politics is a relatively recent phenomenon, having been founded in 2011.
Internal Rules and Timeline for 2027 Elections
According to statements released following the National Council meeting, the primary objective is to establish clear rules that will prevent internal disputes and ensure a cohesive front heading into the 2027 elections. Alfonso Durazo Montaño, President of the National Council and Governor of Sonora, emphasized the importance of impartiality, stating, “Here, we are not playing for the destiny of a personal political aspiration.” Durazo further stressed that the council’s role is to act as “impartial arbitrators,” not representatives of individual interests. Tribuna reported that Durazo made these comments on X (formerly Twitter).
The process will unfold in stages, beginning with the selection of state-level coordinators. Luisa María Alcalde Luján, Morena’s national president, announced the official calendar for the territorial coordination selections. The registration of candidates for state-level positions will commence on June 22, 2026. Further details regarding the timelines for district and municipal coordinator selections are expected to be released in the coming weeks. The party currently boasts a membership of 11,050,758 as of 2026, making it the largest political party in Mexico by representation. Wikipedia details the party’s growth and membership numbers.
Focus on Territorial Organization
A key component of the approved strategy involves the installation of Municipal Councils within the Committees for the Defense of the Transformation. This initiative aims to strengthen the party’s grassroots organization and ensure effective communication between local leaders and the national leadership. The emphasis on territorial organization reflects Morena’s commitment to maintaining its broad base of support and mobilizing voters at the local level. This is particularly important given the party’s success in recent elections, where it has secured control of 23 out of 32 governorships and holds a majority in state legislatures with 495 out of 1,123 seats.
Morena’s political ideology is rooted in anti-neoliberalism, progressivism, and left-wing nationalism. The party also champions Latin American integration and social democracy, positioning itself as a force for social justice and economic equality. Founded by Andrés Manuel López Obrador in 2011, Morena initially emerged as a split from the Party of the Democratic Revolution. The party’s origins are closely tied to López Obrador’s political career and his vision for a more equitable Mexico.
Morena’s Broader Political Landscape
Morena’s dominance in Mexican politics extends to the federal level, where it holds a majority in both the Chamber of Deputies (253 out of 500 seats) and the Senate (67 out of 128 seats). This control allows the party to effectively implement its legislative agenda and shape national policy. The party’s influence is further solidified by its growing presence at the municipal level, where it holds 731 out of 2,052 mayoralties. This widespread control provides Morena with a significant advantage as it prepares for the 2027 elections.
The passage of the 2026 federal budget in November 2025, with 358 votes in favor from Morena, the Green Party, and the Labor Party, demonstrates the party’s ability to push through its priorities despite opposition from the National Action Party and other dissenting voices. The budget outlines expenditures of almost 10.2 trillion pesos (approximately US $547.8 billion as of November 2025). Mexico News Daily reported on the budget’s approval, highlighting the party’s strong legislative control.
The upcoming elections will be a critical test for Morena, as it seeks to consolidate its power and continue its agenda of social and economic transformation. The party’s ability to maintain internal unity and effectively mobilize its base will be key to its success. The focus on territorial organization and the establishment of clear rules for candidate selection are indicative of Morena’s strategic approach to the 2027 elections. The party’s commitment to anti-corruption and its emphasis on the needs of the poor continue to resonate with a significant portion of the Mexican electorate.
#Política | “Que quede claro: aquí no se juega el destino de una aspiración política personal”, expresó el gobernador Alfonso Durazo https://t.co/0N7vJsVxwC
— Tribuna Sonora (@TribunaSonora) March 7, 2026
The next key date to watch is June 22, 2026, when registration opens for candidates seeking state-level coordinator positions within Morena. This marks the official start of the party’s internal selection process for the 2027 elections. Stay tuned to World Today Journal for continued coverage of Mexican politics and the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
What are your thoughts on Morena’s strategy for the 2027 elections? Share your comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your network.