Tijuana's ruling National Action Party (PAN), has picked a 34-year-old ex-federal congressman as its mayoral candidate in this summer's election. Analysts say Carlos Torres would provide continuity to the city if he wins.
Analysts of Mexican politics on both sides of the border say Torres' selection is not a surprise. They say he's the PAN party's golden boy in Tijuana.
Torres was president of the PAN party's youth movement before he was elected to Mexico's Congress in 2006.
Mexico's president, Felipe Calderon, was a guest at his wedding last year.
Victor Espinoza studies politics at the Colllege of the Northern Border, or Colef, in Tijuana.
He says Torres' relationship with the President could both help and hinder Torres' candidacy.
"Torres has the President's ear, which could be good for the San Diego, Tijuana region. But some might see Torres as a candidate the President imposed on Tijuana."
Mexico's PRI party picks a mayoral candidate on Friday.
The winning candidate in July will replace Tijuana Mayor Jorge Ramos next year.