Fact check: How many assassinations took place during Mexico's latest election

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, Mexico's 2024 election was marked by unprecedented political violence, with at least 34-37 candidates assassinated during the campaign season ^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}. Multiple sources consistently report 37 assassinations as the most frequently cited figure ^{[1] [2] [3]}, making this the bloodiest election in Mexico's modern history ^[2].

The violence extended far beyond just assassinations. Sources indicate that at least 95 incidents of violence against political figures resulted in one or more deaths ^[5], while around 200 public servants, politicians, and candidates were murdered or threatened in the lead-up to the June 2024 election ^[6]. Additionally, 828 non-lethal attacks on candidates were documented by Integralia ^[3].

The violence was geographically concentrated, with more than 50 victims in the state of Guerrero alone ^[6], and the killings were mostly linked to drug cartels seeking to influence local elections ^[7].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question focuses solely on the number of assassinations but omits crucial context about the broader scope of political violence. The analyses reveal that assassinations represent only a fraction of the total violence, with hundreds of threats, non-lethal attacks, and other forms of intimidation occurring alongside the murders ^{[6] [3]}.

The systematic nature of this violence is underreported in the simple numerical question. Sources indicate this violence is linked to organized crime in Mexico that has long targeted politicians ^[3], suggesting this is part of a broader pattern rather than isolated incidents.

The question also lacks temporal context - the violence occurred from September to May of the campaign season ^[7], indicating a sustained campaign of intimidation rather than sporadic events.

Drug cartels and organized crime groups would benefit from society focusing only on the raw numbers rather than understanding the systematic nature of their influence operations, as this minimizes the perception of their coordinated efforts to control local governance.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question, while factually seeking information, potentially understates the severity of the situation by focusing exclusively on "assassinations" rather than the broader campaign of political violence. This framing could minimize public understanding of the systematic nature of cartel influence on Mexico's democratic processes ^{[7] [3]}.

The question lacks context about the historical significance - that this represents the bloodiest election in Mexico's modern history ^[2] - which is crucial for understanding the unprecedented nature of the violence.

By asking only about assassinations, the question inadvertently excludes the 828 non-lethal attacks and hundreds of threats ^{[6] [3]} that were equally important in undermining democratic participation and candidate safety during the election cycle.