Samuel García (politician)

García was born on 28 December 1987 in Monterrey, Nuevo León to Samuel Orlando García Mascorro and Bertha Silvia Sepúlveda Andrade. His father was from Guardados de Abajo, Tamaulipas, who moved to Nuevo León to study law at the age of 14, eventually becoming a lawyer and prosecutor.

García hosted a children's newscast on Canal 28 Nuevo León, a state-owned TV channel, where he conducted interviews and would conclude the program with readings on religious topics, taken from his mother's books.

Education

García completed his secondary education at Colegio San Patricio Monterrey from 1999 to 2002 and continued at Prepa Tec from 2002 to 2005. Following this, he enrolled at ITESM, obtaining a B.A. in law and finance in 2010, followed by a master's degree in public law in 2012. As a high school and undergraduate student at ITESM, he frequently participated as a speaker.

García obtained his first Ph.D. in public policy and public administration from ITESM in 2014. His dissertation, Fiscal Federalism in Mexico, received an honorable mention and was published as a book in 2016. Subsequently, he earned a second Ph.D. in tax law from ITAC University in 2019. In 2022, he achieved his third Ph.D. in constitutional law and governance from UANL. His dissertation, titled Local Constitutions in Mexico and the Realization of Federative Entities' Autonomy: A Special Focus on the Nuevo León Case, delves into how federalism in Mexico has been eroding due to the centralized system of national politics.

In 2014, García joined Rescatemos Nuevo León, an organization which allowed him to run for a local congressional seat through proportional representation.

Local deputy

Despite his loss to Marcelo Martínez Villarreal in the race for the 18th district seat during the 2015 Nuevo León state election, García successfully secured a congressional seat through proportional representation.

While he was a state deputy, he was named the parliamentary coordinator of Citizens' Movement in the Congress of Nuevo León. As part of his campaign, García pledged to donate his salary, a promise he fulfilled by donating to Un solo San Pedro.

In 2017, he assumed provisional leadership of the Citizens' Movement party in the state of Nuevo León, succeeding Pilar Lozano Mac Donald. He held this position until 2 August 2019, when Agustín Basave Alanís was elected as the state's party leader.

Election

In the 2018 Mexican general election, Samuel García and Indira Kempis Martínez were nominated by Citizens' Movement to represent Nuevo León in the Senate. They were successfully elected, obtaining 24.01% of the vote.

Tenure

At the age of 30, García became one of the youngest senators of the LXIV legislature, only being surpassed by Raúl Bolaños Cacho Cué of the Green Ecologist Party of Mexico (PVEM) at 30 years old, and by Citlalli Hernández and Claudia Balderas Espinoza of MORENA, who were 28 and 26 years old respectively.

In October 2018, he travelled to The Hague as part of the Mexican Senate's appeal against the former governor of Veracruz, Javier Duarte de Ochoa, on charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court. The Mexican Senate accused Duarte of orchestrating the distribution of 70,000 counterfeit HIV tests and fraudulent treatments to children with cancer during his administration.

In October 2019, he filed a report with the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office of the Attorney General's Office (FGR) against the then governor of Nuevo León, Jaime Rodríguez Calderón, alleging crimes such as money laundering and misappropriation of resources. He asserted that he possessed substantial evidence, referencing four judgments from the Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judiciary (TEPJF) that purportedly implicated Jaime Rodríguez Calderón in these illicit activities.

According to García, he was the second most productive senator, having introduced 370 bills and points of agreement, in addition to making 119 speeches in the chamber.

On 17 November 2020, he sought temporary leave from his senatorial seat to pursue the governorship of Nuevo León in the 2021 gubernatorial elections. During his absence, Luis David Ortiz Salinas assumed his role.

Commission assignments

For the LXIV Legislature of the Mexican Congress:

• Federalism and Municipal Development Commission (chairman)
• North American Foreign Affairs Commission (secretary)
• Commission for Monitoring the Implementation of T-MEC
• Commission of Legislative Studies
• Commission of Finance and Public Credit
• Jurisdictional Commission
• Justice Commission
• Commission for Youth and Sports
• Constitutional Points Commission

On 18 November 2020, García declared his candidacy for the gubernatorial nomination of Citizens' Movement. Despite initial speculation that Luis Donaldo Colosio Riojas was also going to contend the nomination, he later declared his candidacy for the municipal president of Monterrey, leaving García as the party's precandidate. On 18 February 2021, his candidacy became officially registered with the State Electoral Commission (CEE).

On 5 March 2021, García kicked off his campaign at a conference where he unveiled proposals for a new tax agreement, a new vaccination plan funded with private investment, a new public transport system, a new infrastructure program, an intensified fight against corruption, and a new regional airport hub. He positioned himself as an incorruptible politician, emphasizing his non-involvement in corrupt systems, having avoided affiliations with the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), and having donated his salary for six years. He embraced the motto "Arrancar la vieja política de Nuevo León" (translating to "Eliminate the old politics of Nuevo León").

García frequently criticized the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), MORENA, and their candidates, these being Adrián de la Garza and Clara Luz Flores, respectively. He claimed that both candidates embodied "the old politics of the PRI", asserting, "They are both the same as always, those who have been looting Nuevo León for years. (...) if MORENA wins, the country, and therefore, Nuevo León, will end, if the PRI wins they will once again end the state." This criticism persisted upon the dissemination of a video in which Clara Luz Flores is seen talking with Keith Raniere, former leader of the NXIVM sect involved in sexual exploitation. García used this to criticize both of his opponents, stating "I ask, between Clara Luz and Adrián de la Garza, who of the two has the most criminal, evil, and perverse godfather? Which of the two has done and will do more damage to Nuevo León?"

His candidacy was criticized, as he has positioned himself as "a kind of political influencer".

García was sworn in as the governor of Nuevo León on October 4, 2021.

Infrastructure

Metrorrey

In late 2022, García unveiled plans for Lines 4, 5, and 6, adding a total of 41 kilometers to the Metrorrey network and designed as monorail systems on an elevated viaduct. In June 2023, amidst pushback from many in south Monterrey, who preferred an underground system, García announced that Line 5 would instead be an Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit system, operating at ground level with some elevated sections. In September 2023, García revealed that the federal government had provided MXN $8 billion for an expansion of Lines 4 and 6, enabling Line 4 to reach Santa Catarina and Line 6 to connect to the Monterrey International Airport.

In early 2023, García conducted groundbreaking ceremonies for the first phases of Lines 4 and 6, estimating completion by late 2024. In February 2024, García conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for Line 4's second phase, announcing plans for a linear park below the line.

In January 2023, García stated that the elevated portions of Line 2 would undergo reconstruction due to design flaws in the construction of the capitals and beams. By November 2023, the elevated portions had been reopened. In February 2024, García announced the extension and renovation of the Talleres metro station with an investment of MXN $230 million, which would increase the station's capacity and extend the platforms to accommodate longer trains.

García has stated that rolling stock introduced during his administration would be new, criticizing the purchase of refurbished rolling stock during the previous administration. The rolling stock for Lines 4 and 6 was unveiled in February 2024, manufactured by CRRC and capable of carrying up to 720 passengers. García's administration ordered twenty-two new rail cars for Line 1 in order to replace the oldest vehicles still in use, with the first four manufactured by CRRC at $2.8 million each.

Roads and highways

García proposed new highways to enhance state connectivity, particularly facilitating direct access to the Laredo–Colombia Solidarity International Bridge. This initiative aimed to redirect cargo trucks around the Monterrey metropolitan area, easing traffic congestion in the city and eliminating the need for trucks to cross into Tamaulipas to reach the United States. As part of this initiative, Nuevo León State Highway 1 underwent phased reconstruction, addressing the highway's deteriorated condition, with the project costing more than MXN $170 million. Additionally, the Gloria-Columbia highway, a project proposed with the international bridge's construction in 1992, was completed at a total cost of MXN $1.11 billion.

A 45-kilometer extension of Anillo Periférico, which was left incomplete by the previous administration, was completed, requiring an investment of MXN $1.8 billion.

Liberty dam

García continued the construction of Liberty dam started by his predecessor in early 2020, which was 25% complete by García's inauguration in October 2021. In July 2023, García closed the dam's gates, and by April 2024, began extracting water for use in the Monterrey metropolitan area.

Economic

During his tenure, García prioritized making the state a hub for nearshoring, with the governor actively seeking to attract foreign investment by frequently traveling to other countries to negotiate with business leaders. Due to this, the state broke foreign direct investment records in both 2022 and 2023, reaching $4.5 billion in 2023 alone. Notable investors during García's tenure include Bosch, Lego, Siemens, LGMG, and John Deere. One of the largest investments was made by Tesla, who agreed to build a gigafactory in the state by 2026 following negotiations between García and CEO Elon Musk.

Environment

Air quality

Describing the air quality in the region as "shameful", in 2023, García launched the "Bosques Ciudadanos" initiative in Santa Catarina. The initiative aims to plant 200,000 trees annually, with the goal of reaching one million by the end of his term.

Between 2023 and 2024, due to deteriorating air quality, the state activated an environmental alert a total of eleven times, with most of the contamination coming from the Ing. Héctor R. Lara Sosa Refinery, which emits up to 90% of the sulfur dioxide present in the Monterrey metropolitan area. In 2023, García's administration proposed the Programa Integral de Gestión de la Calidad del Aire (PIGECA), a frameweork that aimed to reduce emissions of various companies in the state, but the refinery refused to participate. García expressed willingness in relocating the refinery and ten other polluting companies but cited a lack of state authority, as these companies belong to the federal government.

Santa Catarina river

On July 7, 2023, García initiated the deforestation of parts of the Santa Catarina river as a preventive measure against floods caused by a potential future hurricane. However, these actions stirred criticism and opposition for their perceived lack of consideration for ecosystem preservation. Consequently, the works were halted on July 12, and a congressional proposal emerged to designate the entire river extension as a protected natural area.

Response to the 2022 Nuevo León water crisis

In March 2022, García's government revealed that the water levels in Nuevo León's three reservoirs had reached a critical state, signaling the approach of a potential "Day Zero." In response, the state government implemented the "Agua para todos" water rationing program, dividing the metropolitan area into seven zones, each with distinct water supply schedules. However, protests and blockades erupted in various parts of the metropolitan area, as demonstrators claimed that there was an unequal distribution of water between the richer and poorer areas, with some areas experiencing water shortages lasting several weeks.

With the goal of increasing the chances of rainfall in the state, García started cloud seeding with silver iodide. However, he did not clarify the supplier of the compound to the state, the cost per kilogram, or the expert panel guiding these actions to mitigate potential environomental damage resulting from excessive use.

García often expressed dissatisfaction with social media criticism regarding the alleged mismanagement of water distribution, dismissing the situation and emphasizing that water supply issues, like electrical energy, were beyond the scope of his gubernatorial responsibilities.

In order to avoid a similar crisis, in 2023, García proposed the El Cuchillo II aqueduct, funded publicly and privately at MXN $12.24 billion, in order to transport more water from the El Cuchillo reservoir to the Monterrey metropolitan area. In late 2023, García and Andrés Manuel López Obrador inaugurated the aqueduct in two phases, with a capacity to transport up to 5,000 liters per second.

Relationship with the Congress of Nuevo León

The 2021 local elections in Nuevo León resulted in a minority government with a supermajority opposition consisting of the Institutional Revolutionary Party and the National Action Party. This often led to disputes between the governor and the legislative branch, which were mediated and resolved by the judicial branch.

Attorney general dispute

On 5 October 2022, Gustavo Adolfo Guerrero resigned as state attorney general, triggering the appointment process for a successor. Out of 65 candidates, the state congress narrowed down to four finalists, including Adrián de la Garza, former municipal president of Monterrey and candidate in the 2021 gubernatorial election. However, García vetoed de la Garza, citing concerns about his qualifications, referencing Monterrey's heightened insecurity during his tenure and accusing him of manipulating institutions and laws for personal gain during the gubernatorial election.

On 15 November 2022, García appealed to the Supreme Court, citing irregularities in the selection process, such as the absence of criminal record checks for candidates and the lack of gender parity in the finalist list. On 14 February 2024, the Supreme Court ruled the selection process unconstitutional, finding that the commission responsible for choosing finalists had unconstitutionally altered candidate requirements by omitting the need for criminal record checks. The court invalidated the list of finalists and instructed the congress to restart the selection process.

Attempts to limit the powers of the executive branch

In early 2023, the state congress approved several constitutional amendments that stripped various powers from the executive branch: Decree 340 eliminated the governor's veto over attorney general finalists and introduced a censure motion enabling the legislative branch to dismiss the governor's cabinet; Decree 341 shifted control of the Public Defender office from the executive to the judicial branch; and Decree 342 mandated the governor to seek permission to leave the state for more than three days. García refused to publish the amendments in the Official Journal and appealed to the Supreme Court; however, the court mandated their publication, which García has refused to comply with.

2023 Nuevo León political crisis

In October 2023, García requested a six-month leave, effective December 2, to run in the 2024 presidential election, proposing Javier Navarro Velasco as his replacement. Despite the Congress of Nuevo León approving García's leave, they appointed Arturo Salinas Garza, the President of the Superior Court of Justice of Nuevo León, as interim governor, leading to a dispute. García contended the appointment was "illegal" and insisted that Navarro was meant to be the interim governor.

On November 13, Supreme Court Justice Javier Laynez Potisek annulled the appointment of Arturo Salinas Garza, citing a violation of the separation of powers since Salinas belonged to the judicial branch. The state congress was directed to designate a new interim governor. On November 29, the state congress convened to appoint Luis Enrique Orozco, the Deputy Attorney General, as interim governor. While the vote was underway, a group of citizens supporting García stormed the legislature, setting off a smoke bomb in the chamber. With the support of 25 out of the 42 state deputies, Orozco was named interim governor from December 2, 2023 to June 2, 2024. On December 1, the Supreme Court validated Orozco's appointment.

On December 2, the day García's leave took effect, Orozco officially assumed the interim governorship. Shortly thereafter, García declared his withdrawal from the presidential election, contending that he retained the governorship as he did not use his leave. The state congress asserted that the leave was valid, and a vote was required to revoke it. From December 2 to December 4, both García and Orozco claimed the governorship, leading to a constitutional crisis pending resolution through a legislative session or a Supreme Court ruling. However, on December 4, Orozco resigned, and the state congress confirmed García's reinstatement.

García claims that Mexico's federal funding favors southern states despite northern states, like Nuevo León, contributing more to the treasury, controversially stating that "in Mexico, in the north, we work, in the center, they administer, and in the south, they rest". According to García, Mexico allocates money based on population, deprivation, and poverty, whereas in the rest of the world, it is typically done based on efficiency, GDP, productivity, and foreign trade.

García has expressed that he is not opposed to the legalization of marijuana, and has also expressed support for same-sex marriage, stating that "legal precedent recognizes and affirms their right."

As senator, García supported abortion, stating that "it's a complex issue, and I believe that a woman's right to decide should weigh more heavily." However, as governor of Nuevo León, García expressed opposition to it, urging the Congress of Nuevo León to reintroduce a previously removed paragraph to the state's constitution that acknowledged the beginning of life from conception.

He has criticized the political right, saying: "I believe that the political right or center-right seeks to achieve merit but at the expense of the most disadvantaged."

Doctoral Degree at ITAC University

In June 2020, he was accused of falsifying the documentation accrediting the Doctorate in Tax Law he obtained at ITAC University, a private educational center in the city of Monterrey. Samuel García had shared photographs of his postgraduate degree and a certificate of honorable mention on the social network Instagram, but several users later pointed out the inconsistency of the ITAC University rector's signatures on both documents and the similarity of one of these with the signature of the vice-rector of the same institution. In his defense, Samuel García published a video in which he argued that the discrepancy was presented by an unofficial document, that he had completed his doctorate in due time and form, and that the person who had signed this document was, in fact, the vice-rector, since the rector was on sick leave. Subsequently, local media Info7 reported that ITAC University had ceased to function and that its facilities were abandoned.

Male chauvinism

On August 9, 2020, Samuel García, during an Instagram Live told his wife Mariana Rodríguez: "Turn up the camera, you're showing too much leg. I married you for me, not for you to go around showing". Many women in protest uploaded photos showing their legs on Twitter using the hashtag #YoEnseñoLoQueQuiera. García later apologized and affirmed that it was only a macho joke.

Golf assistant

On December 10, 2020, Samuel García, then pre-candidate for governor unleashed mockery on social media after an interview in the digital media Lo Esencial after mentioning that when he was 15 years old, his father made him work in his law office. Although on Fridays he went out for a walk with his friends and returned at two in the morning, his father forced him to get up on Saturday at five in the morning to accompany him to play golf and pay his salary after playing the 18 holes on the course. He said: "I would go to high school from eight to two, and dad would tell mom 'don't feed him, I will get him his food', I would go to the office and later to American football practice, but it was very hard because he would say to me: 'if you want me to pay you for the week, you have to go with me to golf on Saturday and finishing the 18 holes. Then I'll pay you for the week'."

"Small salary" of $50,000 pesos

On December 15, 2020, the podcast of the YouTuber Roberto Mtz (Roberto Adrián Martínez Osuna), in which Samuel García participated, started to go viral. During the interview, he was questioned about the salary of high-ranking politicians and if their compensation was not excessive, and if they should be philanthropists. He answered, "I have come across very valuable people who live on a small salary of $40 (thousand), $50 (thousand), and they are happy; they have enough for their family, for school fees". This answer went viral when the fragment (without using the communicator's question) was used as part of an opposition campaign. The response sparked ridicule and even indignation, since in Mexico workers on average barely earn between $3,696 and $7,393 pesos per month for jobs performed in the formal economy.

Family

García is the eldest of three siblings: Silvia Catalina, Cecilia, and Roberto. Additionally, he has an older half-brother, Samuel Orlando García Villarreal, from his father's previous relationship. Additionally, he has an older half-brother, Samuel Orlando García Villarreal, from his father's previous relationship. He is related to Gilberto García Mena, a former high-ranking member of the Gulf Cartel known as "El June," who is his father's cousin.

Samuel García started dating social media influencer Mariana Rodríguez Cantú in 2015, and were married on 27 March 2020 in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Monterrey. In May 2020, the couple announced that Rodríguez had experienced a miscarriage. They have one daughter, Mariel, born on 10 March 2023.

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• — (2018). La gran reforma hacendaría de los mexicanos (The great tax reform of the Mexicans). Procesos Editoriales Don José.
• — (2020). Nuevo León Frente a la pandemia (Nuevo León faced with the Pandemic).