Fidel Herrera Beltrán, the former governor of Veracruz, passed away on May 2, 2025, at the age of 76. His death was confirmed by his son, Javier Herrera Borunda, a current federal deputy, who took to social media to express his sorrow and reflect on his father's legacy.
“A few hours ago, my father entered the dream of eternity, and indeed, it will be eternal. He was an example of tireless struggle, integral leadership, and profound love. He touched countless lives with his presence and his words,” Javier Herrera wrote. He described his father as an “exceptional father and husband, brilliant academic, and high-caliber jurist.”
Fidel Herrera served as governor of Veracruz from December 1, 2004, to November 30, 2010, under the banner of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). His tenure was marked by a strong political presence, although it was also shadowed by allegations of corruption and connections to organized crime.
Born on March 7, 1949, in Nopaltepec, Veracruz, Herrera was proud of his humble beginnings. He completed his basic education in public schools in Veracruz and Oaxaca before graduating with a law degree from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) in 1971. His academic pursuits continued as he later studied Political Science and Public Administration at The London School of Economics, Humanitarian Law at the René Cassin Foundation in Strasbourg, France, and International Commerce at McGill University in Montreal, Canada.
Throughout his career, Herrera held various political positions, including serving as a federal deputy four times and as a senator. He was also appointed consul of Mexico in Barcelona in 2015, a role he held until resigning in 2017 amid controversy related to the alleged distribution of counterfeit medicines during his governorship.
Despite facing numerous allegations, including purported ties to the Los Zetas cartel, Herrera never faced formal judicial proceedings. His governance was characterized by both achievements and controversies, which continue to spark debate among political circles.
Following the news of his passing, reactions poured in from various political figures. Senator Manuel Velasco praised him as an “exemplary man and exceptional political figure who served Mexico with passion.” Alejandro Moreno, the national leader of PRI, remembered him as a “Veracruzano of great character, intelligent, passionate, and firm.”
The legacy of Fidel Herrera remains complex. For some, he is viewed as a skilled political operator, while for others, he symbolizes the excesses of the old regime. His story is inscribed in the annals of Veracruz's political history, filled with both commendations and criticisms.
In April 2020, Herrera was hospitalized after suffering a stroke, and his health had been precarious since that incident. He continued to be a figure of interest in Veracruz politics, with many remembering him fondly despite the controversies surrounding his administration.
His wife, Rosa Borunda, passed away in June 2024, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with his own. Javier Herrera Borunda's heartfelt tribute to his father underscores the profound impact Fidel Herrera had on those around him, as he noted that his father's light would not fade, but would continue to be a guiding beacon for others.
As the political landscape in Veracruz evolves, the memory of Fidel Herrera Beltrán will likely remain a point of discussion, reflecting a life dedicated to public service, albeit one not without its shadows.
