Darío James, Mayor of Gaiman, Passes Away

The mayor of Gaiman, Darío James, passed away this Thursday at the age of 56 due to a heart condition. The local leader underwent complex surgery at a private clinic in Trelew but did not survive the procedure. The news has caused a strong shock in Chubut and prompted numerous messages of condolence from the political sphere.

James was one of the main figures of the Radical Civic Union (UCR) in the province and was serving his second term as mayor of Gaiman, having been re-elected in 2023.

Before entering politics, he spent over three decades working at the Gaiman Cooperative. He was also an agricultural producer, beekeeper, and part of the local Volunteer Firefighters.

Affiliated with radicalism since his youth and a member of the Regional Union of Light and Power of Patagonia, he only accepted to run for mayor in 2019. That year, he received nearly 55% of the votes and returned the UCR to power in Gaiman after two decades.

Upon taking office on December 12, 2019, he proposed a management focused on public account organization, administrative transparency, and the professionalization of the municipal state. In 2023, he was re-elected for the 2023-2027 term, consolidating his political leadership in the locality.

In an interview in 2021, he explained the reasons that led him to get involved in politics. "I got into politics because some things that were happening made me angry," he stated, while insisting that the municipality needed an administration with efficiency and fiscal balance criteria.

James also defined himself as a "politically incorrect" leader. He maintained a low profile and a management style focused on administration rather than party confrontation. On several occasions, he expressed that a mayor's priority should be to balance public accounts before announcing major projects.

Message from Ignacio Torres

After the news broke, the governor of Chubut, Ignacio "Nacho" Torres, expressed his condolences through social media.

"A great mayor is leaving us, but above all, a great person: honest, hardworking, and deeply committed to Gaiman and each of its residents," wrote the provincial leader.

With great sadness, I received the news of Darío James's passing.

A great mayor is leaving us, but above all, a great person: honest, hardworking, and deeply committed to Gaiman and each of its residents. I was fortunate to work with him and share many... pic.twitter.com/3qqhzrBBZO
--- Nacho Torres (@NachoTorresCH) August 6, 2026
Torres also recalled the shared work with James and highlighted his service vocation. "Darío was a generous person who lived until his last days with a tremendous vocation for service, and that is, I am sure, the most valuable legacy he leaves us," he noted.

Finally, the governor sent his condolences to the mayor's family and the entire Gaiman community: "I accompany with all my affection his family, his loved ones, and all the people of Gaiman in this moment of deep sorrow. May he rest in peace.",