Melissa Cornejo Considers leaving MORENA After Visa Controversy

Melissa Cornejo, a state counselor for the MORENA party in Jalisco, Mexico, is considering leaving the party after a public dispute with former U.S. Undersecretary of State Christopher landau. The controversy, which reportedly led to the revocation of Cornejo’s U.S. visa, has left her feeling unsupported by her MORENA colleagues, prompting her to evaluate her future within the political organization.

Cornejo Feels ‘Unprotected’ by MORENA After Landau Dispute

In an interview on June 16, 2025, Cornejo expressed her disappointment with the reaction from some within MORENA, stating that she felt they were “pushing [her] to the lions” during the conflict. she lamented that some colleagues joined in on the criticism while she was already facing pressure from the U.S. government and MORENA leadership.

Did You know? Political tensions between the U.S. and Mexico have seen a rise in recent years, with disagreements over trade, immigration, and security policies contributing to a complex relationship. In 2024, Pew Research Center noted that only 45% of Mexicans held a favorable view of the U.S., reflecting thes ongoing strains ^[1].

Cornejo stated, “I am thinking about what to do, whether or not to continue,” indicating the seriousness of her consideration to leave MORENA. She emphasized that the actions of certain colleagues hurt her more than the conflict with Landau itself.

Possible Expulsion and Voluntary Exit

While Cornejo has not received any formal notification regarding expulsion from MORENA, she is actively weighing a voluntary departure. “I have not received the news that they want to expel me, but I’m weighing the possibility of leaving,” she stated. This decision comes amidst a backdrop of internal party dynamics and external pressures stemming from the international dispute.

Support from López Obrador’s Son

Amidst the controversy,Cornejo has found support from José Ramón López Beltrán,son of Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. López Beltrán publicly defended Cornejo, which she acknowledged and appreciated. “I am calm, I infinitely appreciate the support that characters like José Ramón and other companions have given me,” Cornejo said.

Pro tip: Public endorsements from influential figures can substantially impact an individual’s standing within a political party. Such support can provide a buffer against criticism and potentially influence internal decision-making processes.

Regret Over Tone and Disproportionate Response

Cornejo expressed regret over the tone she used in her initial statements, acknowledging that it may have detracted from the underlying issues. “I regret mainly because thanks to the use of these words, the background of the situation [was overshadowed],” she said.

She also characterized the response from the U.S. Undersecretary of State as “very disproportionate” and “very strong,” highlighting the meaningful impact it has had on her. The incident underscores the potential consequences of social media activity on international relations and personal standing.

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