CAPIZ – The Castro political dynasty tightened its grip on Capiz as family members swept key provincial and municipal posts in the May 12 elections, securing back-to-back victories that reinforced their longstanding influence in the province.
Reelectionist Gov. Fredenil H. Castro retained his seat with a landslide win over two independent challengers — former governor Esteban Evan “Nonoy” B. Contreras and Cristopher Barrio. Castro garnered more than 301,613 votes compared to Contreras’ 47,983 and Barrio’s nearly 3,000.
Further consolidating their political stronghold, incumbent 2nd District’s Rep. Jane Tan-Castro, the governor’s wife, ran unopposed and retained her seat with 125,244 votes. She previously served in the same position from 2010 to 2013 and made a comeback in 2022 after a political hiatus.
Their daughter, Dumalag’s Mayor Maria Concepcion “Khuku” T. Castro, also secured reelection unopposed, earning 13,179 votes. Running alongside her was Fredenil “Dean” T. Castro II, who vied for the vice mayoralty and received nearly 13,000 votes — edging out his rival, Osting Fortaleza, by a margin of approximately 1,000 votes.
With minimal opposition across key races, the Castros’ reelection bids proved formidable, further entrenching their political legacy in Capiz. Their continued dominance signals a sustained era of family-led governance with potential long-term implications for the province’s political landscape.
Gov. Castro has led the province since 2022. He previously served as the representative of the 2nd District from 2001 to 2010 and from 2013 to 2022./PN
