Mexican Senator Keeps US Nationality

Cecilia Guadiana, a senator from Morena, stated she won’t renounce her US nationality. She was born in McAllen, Texas, to Mexican parents. Guadiana said her double nationality is not something she can control, as her parents decided she would be born in the US.

Guadiana noted she doesn’t plan to run for any other popularly elected position, so she isn’t required to give up her US citizenship. Her current aspirations are focused on her work in the Senate, which will continue until 2030.

When asked about potentially running for the governorship of Coahuila in 2029, Guadiana gave an ambiguous response. She stated it’s too early to think about that and her focus is on her current work in the Senate.

Guadiana also addressed her absence during the vote on the reform that prohibits Mexicans with dual nationality from running for governor or president without renouncing their foreign citizenship. She cited a personal medical issue that coincided with the vote.

Guadiana explained she had to rest for a week due to her health issue, so her substitute, Rocío Guadalupe ‘Pily’ de Aguinaga, voted in her place. Guadiana initially supported the reform and doesn’t think it affects migrants’ rights, only limiting those with aspirations to governor or president positions.

President Claudia Sheinbaum justified the approval of the reform, highlighting its importance in times of interference, indirectly referencing the US government’s investigations into Morena-linked figures.

Sheinbaum emphasized the potential conflict of interest when holding dual nationality, saying that a person with dual nationality may face a dilemma in defending one country over the other in case of a problem between the two nations.

Following the reform’s approval, Jasmine Bugarín, a potential candidate for the governorship of Nayarit, initiated the process to renounce her US citizenship. Bugarín stated that in times of defending national sovereignty, there should be no doubts or hesitation.

Guadiana’s decision not to renounce her US citizenship has sparked attention, given the recent reform. She prioritizes her work in the Senate and won’t give up her nationality, at least not for now. As Guadiana mentioned, her double nationality is a result of her parents’ decision 31 years ago, and she considers herself Mexican by birth, being the daughter of Mexican parents and having lived in Mexico her entire life.