Despite regaining his freedom in January 2025, Medina is not a completely free man. He is subject to conduct rules dictated by the Eighth Preparatory Investigation Court: he is prohibited from changing his residence in Carabayllo without authorization and must undergo biometric control every fifteen days to prove his presence before the justice system.
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Medina’s appointment as a regional candidate was strategic. He was appointed without an internal election. Ernesto Zunini, national general secretary of JPP, told this newspaper that he was chosen as a proposal from the “companions from Cajamarca,” according to the minutes of June 17, 2026, signed by Roberto Sánchez himself.
The bet makes electoral sense. JPP wants to retain its influence in the area, and Medina is very close to Pedro Castillo and his sister-in-law, the current congresswoman Yenifer Paredes. In Cajamarca, JPP won the first round with 41% of the votes, compared to just 13% for Fuerza Popular. In the second round, that advantage grew to 66%, almost double the Fujimorist result.
Limitations
The former mayor of Anguía is being investigated for simulating selection acts and allegedly favoring bidders who did not meet the requirements for potable water and road accessibility projects.
The case is with Eficcop under main file No. 008-2022. His process is in the preparatory phase for criminal organization, collusion, and money laundering. Although he was released from prison, he still must comply with rules and sign in every two weeks. “It is true, yes, there are some restrictions that we follow in line with the Prosecutor’s Office. We are up to date, always attentive to any proceedings that may arise,” Medina admitted to El Comercio.
Moreover, he confirms that—if elected governor—he would have an unusual limitation: he could not coordinate directly with congresswoman Yenifer Paredes. Both are prohibited from communicating due to restrictions imposed in the fiscal investigation involving them.
Before the National Jury of Elections, Medina declared having a modest financial situation. The former mayor—who allegedly received payments of S/200,000 from businessman Hugo Espino for projects—claims he now only earns S/1,120 monthly.
Asked how he will finance his campaign, he replied: “Money is not necessarily needed; common sense is enough. Many citizens just need to be heard.”
But Medina is not the only one with records. His candidate for vice governor, Susana Judith Ortiz Diaz (35), has a history of police complaints. In 2022, she was reported for endangering public health by allegedly spraying a toxic spray at a neighbor’s face in Comas after uttering insults and threats. That same month, another complaint was filed against her for damages after being accused of making graffiti on a house facade and shouting obscene words.
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