Tecate Official María Quijada Wounded in Attack, Husband Killed

A targeted attack on a local official in Tecate, Baja California, has left her wounded and her husband dead. María Quijada, a regidora (councilor) for the ruling Morena party, was ambushed outside her home on the evening of July 14, 2026. Source: Excelsior

The attack

According to reports, the couple was arriving at their home in the Hacienda neighborhood when armed men in a white vehicle intercepted their Kia and opened fire. Source: Infobae Jesús Pereida, Quijada's husband, died at the scene. Quijada was airlifted to a hospital in California. Her father, Francisco Quijada, later confirmed she was "out of danger" after initially being reported in critical condition. Source: Milenio The couple's 15-year-old daughter witnessed the attack but was not injured, according to her grandfather. Source: hoydo

The victims

Quijada, 40, has been a regidora for Tecate since 2024, chairing commissions on welfare, water, and childhood protection. Source: Heraldo de México She and Pereida had recently expressed support for Julieta Ramírez's candidacy for state governor. Source: Excelsior Pereida had a varied career in public service, including as a security delegate and former candidate for local office. Source: Milenio

Investigation

Authorities have not identified a motive or detained any suspects. Source: Jornada The attack occurred in a region with high organized crime activity, but no link has been established. Source: Infobae In March, Quijada's brother was arrested on weapons charges, though officials deny a connection. Source: hoydo