He emerged alongside Alemán as a prime contender for the presidency in 1946. He was better-known abroad than his rival, and was considered to have stronger tendencies toward democracy. However, his association with the United States made him unpopular in the left wing of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), and Alemán won the party's nomination.
He emerged alongside Alemán as a leading candidate for the presidency in 1946. He was more widely recognized internationally than his opponent, and was perceived to have stronger inclinations toward democracy. However, his ties with the United States made him unpopular among the left wing of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), and Alemán secured the party's nomination.