In view of the proximity of the electoral process in Coahuila, the bishops of the dioceses of Saltillo, Torreón, and Piedras Negras issued a joint message addressed to all people of good will in the state, calling on Catholics and the general citizenry to cast a free, secret, and responsible vote on the upcoming June 7, 2026, when their local Congress will be renewed. In this electoral event, the only state in the country that will hold elections this year, 25 local deputies will be elected, 16 by relative majority and 9 by proportional representation.
In the document titled “Message from the Bishops of Saltillo, Torreón, and Piedras Negras on the Occasion of the 2026 Electoral Process”, dated May 1, the prelates recall that politics, when exercised with integrity, is one of the most precious forms of charity, because it seeks the common good. They affirm that electoral participation is not only a civil right, but a moral duty, and they propose principles inspired by the Church’s Social Doctrine to evaluate candidates’ proposals for deputies.
The bishops highlight human dignity as the central axis, stating that every law emanating from the Chamber of Deputies must place the person at the center and protect what is most sacred: the right to life, the family, freedom of conscience, and peace. They emphasize the common good and the universal destination of goods, promoting laws that benefit all and especially the most vulnerable through an equitable distribution of resources. They also speak of solidarity and subsidiarity, inviting support for social justice programs in the face of realities such as migration, the closure of job sources, and water scarcity, while respecting the autonomy of local communities and civil society. Finally, they insist on citizen participation, describing abstentionism as a lack of charity and a “blind vote” that leaves the future in the hands of others.
The pastors address the regional realities and legislative challenges facing Coahuila, including security, violence, drug addiction, corruption, and injustices that affect families. They exhort citizens to apply concrete criteria when voting: to thoroughly know the trajectory, values, and real capacity of candidates, beyond their promises; to evaluate programs by prioritizing long-term ones over immediate or populist initiatives; to demand coherence and impeccable honorability from those who will design the laws that regulate coexistence; and to actively follow up on the fulfillment of commitments and accountability once the elections are concluded.
In the final section, titled “Participation in Peace and Seeking Unity”, the bishops ask to avoid disqualifications, political violence, and the misuse of Artificial Intelligence to create images that attack the human dignity of any candidate, including gender violence. They invite this electoral process to become an opportunity to strengthen social friendship, where unity prevails over conflict. As the Church, they reiterate their mission to form consciences through the proclamation of the Gospel and ethical principles, always respecting each person’s freedom. They call to pray in families and communities for the good development of the elections and conclude with a direct call: “Go out and vote out of love for Coahuila and Mexico!”.
The message is signed by Monsignor Hilario González García, Bishop of Saltillo; Monsignor Luis Martín Barraza Beltrán, Bishop of Torreón; and Monsignor Alfonso Gerardo Miranda Guardiola, Bishop of Piedras Negras. The text does not endorse any candidate or party, but rather underscores the Church’s autonomy and its commitment to illuminating citizen discernment.
In the context of this process, the visit of candidate Guillermo Ruiz Guerra, known as “Memo Ruiz”, nominated by the Citizen Alliance for Security (PRI-UDC) for the local district of Piedras Negras, has been publicized. Ruiz Guerra met with Bishop Miranda Guardiola, accompanied by his wife Dariela de Ruiz and Father Octaviano Elizondo. During the meeting, the aspirant reaffirmed his commitment to center his campaign on concrete proposals, respect for the electorate, and family values, with three main axes: institutional closeness, a policy of respect and unity, and legislating with a human focus by placing families at the center of decisions.
The bishops close their message by asking for the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe so that Coahuila may build a more just, solidary, and peaceful future.
The complete message from the bishops of Saltillo on the electoral event of the first Sunday of June 2026 can be read here: