The Mexican Street Peddler Turned Top Politico.

NYTIMES/Marc Lacey/
"Just months ago, Juanito, whose real name is Rafael Acosta Ángeles, 46, was an activist and street peddler who sold umbrellas in the rainy season and sweaters when the temperature dropped. An accomplished protester, he roared at rallies wearing a red, green and white headband that has become his trademark. Then, thanks to political deal-making gone awry, he found himself elected president of Iztapalapa, Mexico City’s most populous and problematic borough."