In Chiapas, Mexico, two attacks on mayoral candidates have resulted in nine deaths. Although the candidates survived, one was injured. The assaults, occurring in Villa Corzo and Mapastepec, signify a surge in violence against politicians ahead of the June 2 elections, coinciding with the presidential vote. Last week, mayoral candidate Lucero Lopez was among six killed in an ambush. Over two dozen politicians have been slain since September, with the toll surpassing 50 when considering relatives and other victims. Mexico’s ongoing criminal violence has claimed over 450,000 lives since the initiation of a military campaign against drug cartels in 2006.