History of José María Balcázar in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 19, 2026

José María Balcázar Zelada is a Peruvian politician, lawyer, and former judge currently serving in the Congress of Peru since 2021 as a member of Free Peru. Notably, he has been under criminal investigation since 2019 for the illicit appropriation of funds, potentially impacting his political career and reputation.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

January 1943: Birth of José María Balcázar

In January 1943, José María Balcázar Zelada was born.

Others born on this day/year

1972: Graduated from National University of Trujillo

In 1972, Balcázar graduated with a law degree from the National University of Trujillo.

1977: Began working as a professor

Since 1977, Balcázar has worked as a professor at the law school at the national university.

2005: Obtained a doctorate in law and political science

In 2005, Balcázar obtained a doctorate in law and political science from Pedro Ruiz Gallo National University.

2019: Elected dean of the Illustrious Bar Association of Lambayeque (ICAL)

In 2019, Balcázar was elected as the dean of the Illustrious Bar Association of Lambayeque (ICAL).

2019: Criminal investigation started

Since 2019, Balcázar has been under criminal investigation for illicit appropriation of funds.

2019: Investigation for illicit appropriation of funds

Since 2019, Balcázar has been under investigation for illicit appropriation of funds during his tenure as Dean of the Lambayeque bar association and for dealings with former prosecutor Patricia Benavides.

2021: Became member of Congress of Peru

In 2021, Balcázar became a member of the Congress of Peru.

2021: Unsuccessful runs for Vice Presidency and President of Congress

In 2021, Balcázar ran for the first vice presidency as a running mate of José Jerí, but was not successful. He also unsuccessfully ran for President of the Congress of Peru.

2021: Elected Congressman for the Republic of Peru

In 2021, Balcázar was elected congressman for the Republic of Peru, representing the Department of Lambayeque with 6641 votes. He ran for the left-wing Free Peru Party.

June 2022: Resigned from the Peru Libre caucus

In June 2022, Balcázar resigned from the Peru Libre caucus and formed the Bicentennial Peru caucus, a left-wing caucus.

2022: Resigned membership in Free Peru party

In 2022, Balcázar resigned from the Free Peru party.

2023: Backlash for controversial beliefs

In 2023, Balcázar received backlash for controversial beliefs, including debating against the criminalization of child marriage and speaking favorably about sexual relationships between students and teachers.

2024: Joined the Ahora Nación party

Balcázar joined the Ahora Nación party at the end of 2024.

2024: Returned to Free Peru party caucus

Following the dissolution of the Bicentennial Peru caucus in 2024, Balcázar returned to the Free Peru party caucus, remaining without party affiliation.

January 2025: Resigned from Ahora Naciu00f3n Party

In January 2025, Balcázar resigned his membership in the Ahora Nación party.

February 2026: Elected President of Congress and President of Peru

On 18 February 2026, Balcázar was nominated by Free Peru for President of Congress and for the presidency of Peru, following the censure and removal of President José Jerí, and was successfully elected.