Andrés Manuel López Beltrán, son of Mexican president Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), declared during the national tour closure of Morena that he would dedicate his life to the well-being of Mexico City (CDMX), sparking speculation about his possible candidacy for Chief of Government in 2030. “I and my family are born Tabasco, but we consider ourselves chilangos by adoption and conviction. This city gave us everything, we owe it absolutely everything,” said the second son of López Obrador during the event held in Tlatelolco on December 7th.
‘Andy’ López Beltrán, as he is known in his inner circle, seems to be following in his father’s political footsteps, having recently joined Morena as the Secretary of Organization. In his first speech to supporters, he called for massive affiliation. “Let’s all help consolidate our party by creating committees in all sections of our country, but above all, to affiliate and credentialize next year 10 million free and conscious citizens who want to continue being or become protagonists of the real change,” he said.
His potential candidacy as a Morena candidate for CDMX Chief of Government has sparked a wide range of reactions, particularly from the opposition, who have described it as an “act of cynicism”. However, who is ‘Andy’ Beltrán and what do we know about his discreet political trajectory?
Andrés Manuel López Beltrán, is the second of three sons of Andrés Manuel López Obrador with his first wife Rocío Beltrán Medina. He was born in Tabasco on August 21, 1986, and studied Political Science and Public Administration at the Faculty of Political and Social Sciences of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Described as prudent and reserved, López Beltrán has always shown an interest in political activity, becoming his father’s right-hand man in his journey to the presidency. He was present in the campaigns of 2006 and 2012, and in 2018 he was Morena’s operator in CDMX and Edomex.
AMLO himself revealed his son’s aspirations and his intention to join Morena’s leadership in one of his morning conferences. “He’s going to participate in Morena, he wants to help consolidate Morena, I’m not going to influence anything, but he does want to participate,” he said. López Beltrán committed to working for the well-being of Mexico City: “I will dedicate my life,” he said.
Together with his brothers, José Ramón and Gonzalo Alfonso López Beltrán, ‘Andy’ is also a partner in two companies: Finca Rocío S.A. de C.V. and Vinos Cósmicos S.A de C.V. The first company is a chocolatier, a family heritage that bears the name of his late mother, Rocío Beltrán Medina. According to Animal Político, Andrés owns 80% of the shares, while Gonzalo has 20%.
Title: "Andy López Beltrán: The Son of AMLO and CDMX’s Potential Next Leader"
EL FINANCIERO
Andy López Beltrán, a young politician and son of Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has emerged as a potential candidate for the position of the next Chief of Government (Jefe de Gobierno) of Mexico City. Although AMLO, as his father is commonly known, has stated that he will not interfere in the selection process, Andy’s political ascent and potential rivalry with other prominent candidates have sparked interest in Mexico’s political landscape.
A Political Rising Star
Andy López Beltrán, 38, is a political scientist by profession and has been involved in politics since a young age. He is currently a federal deputy for the Morena party, which his father founded and leads. His political prowess was evident when, at the age of 30, he became the youngest local leader of the PRD (Democratic Revolution Party) in Mexico State. His rapid rise in the political hierarchy is attributed to his charisma, communication skills, and close ties to his father’s political movement.
The Path to CDMX’s Helm
In the lead-up to the 2024 elections, there has been much speculation about who will replace the current CDMX chief, Claudia Sheinbaum, who is also from Morena. Given his political background and prowess, Andy López Beltrán has been floated as a strong contender. However, his potential candidacy has not been without controversy.
Controversy and Challenges
Critics argue that Andy’s political success is largely due to his famous last name and that he lacks the experience needed to lead a bustling city like Mexico City. Furthermore, his potential candidacy could overshadow other strong Morena candidates, such as the current interior secretary, Olga Sánchez Cordero, who has also expressed interest in the position.
Andy, however, has shrugged off these criticisms, stating that he will not use his father’s fame to gain political advantage. He has also said that he welcomes any competition for the position, emphasizing that the best candidate should win.
AMLO’s Stance
President AMLO has been vocal about not interfering in the selection process, stating that he wants the most competent candidate to lead Mexico City. However, his influence in Morena and Mexico’s politics remains significant, and his backing could prove crucial for Andy’s potential candidacy.
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 elections loom, the political scene in Mexico City is heating up. Andy López Beltrán’s potential candidacy continues to generate interest and debate. While his political star is undeniably rising, it remains to be seen whether he will indeed throw his hat in the ring for CDMX’s top job and, if so, how he will fare against other prominent candidates. One thing is certain: Mexico’s political landscape is in for an exciting ride.
