MEXICO CITY, April 20, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - A mayoral candidate was murdered while meeting supporters in northeastern Mexico on Friday, authorities said -- part of a wave of political violence ahead of June elections.

A manhunt was launched for the attacker who stabbed Noe Ramos, according to the attorney general of violence-wracked Tamaulipas state, Irving Barrios.

Ramos died of his wounds, state security spokesman Jorge Cuellar told Milenio television.

According to local media, the center-right candidate was walking through the streets to meet residents of the city of Mante when he was attacked by a man with a knife.

Mexican politicians often fall victim to bloodshed connected to corruption and drug smuggling, particularly in the run-up to elections.

Around 30 people seeking election have been murdered across Mexico since last June, according to research firm Laboratorio Electoral.

They include an aspiring mayor of one of Mexico's most dangerous cities who was gunned down in the street.

Gisela Gaytan, who was campaigning in the central city of Celaya, was shot dead in early April during a visit to meet supporters.