Mexico has elected Claudia Sheinbaum as its first female president, marking a monumental step in the nation’s history. The landslide victory for the former mayor of Mexico City signifies not only a change in leadership but also a profound shift in Mexican politics, breaking a long-standing gender barrier at the highest office. Preliminary results from Mexico’s electoral authority indicate that Sheinbaum, aged 61 and a scientist by training, secured between 58% and 60% of the votes in Sunday’s election. This decisive win gives her a commanding lead of approximately 30 percentage points over her closest competitor, businesswoman Xóchitl Gálvez. Sheinbaum is poised to succeed her political mentor, outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), assuming office on October 1st.
Celebratory crowds gather in Mexico City to recognize Claudia Sheinbaum’s presidential election victory.
The election of a woman to the presidency in Mexico carries immense emotional weight and symbolic importance for many. Sheinbaum herself acknowledged the historical significance of her win in her victory speech, addressing jubilant supporters. “For the first time in the 200 years of the Republic, I will become the first woman president of Mexico,” she declared, emphasizing that this achievement was not solely personal but a collective victory for all women in Mexico. She added, “I’ve said it from the start, this is not just about me getting [to the top office], it’s about all of us getting here.” Sheinbaum also extended gratitude to her opponent, Xóchitl Gálvez, who has acknowledged her defeat, signaling a degree of political unity following a competitive election.
A Scientist’s Path to the Presidency
Before ascending to the presidential stage, Claudia Sheinbaum cultivated a distinguished career in both academia and politics. Her trajectory reflects a blend of scientific rigor and political acumen. Prior to her presidential bid, Sheinbaum served as the mayor of Mexico City, a highly influential position often regarded as a stepping stone to the presidency. Her mayoral tenure provided her with substantial executive experience and national visibility.
Sheinbaum’s background is notably marked by her heritage and academic accomplishments. Her maternal grandparents were Jewish refugees from Bulgaria who sought refuge in Mexico during the Nazi era, while her paternal grandparents hailed from Lithuania. Both of Sheinbaum’s parents were scientists, instilling in her a deep appreciation for scientific inquiry. She pursued physics, earning a doctorate in energy engineering, demonstrating her intellectual capabilities and commitment to complex issues.
Her expertise in energy and climate change is particularly noteworthy. She spent considerable time at a renowned research laboratory in California, focusing on Mexican energy consumption patterns and becoming a recognized authority on climate change. This scientific background shaped her approach to public policy, emphasizing data-driven solutions and sustainable development. Her early foray into politics involved serving as Mexico City’s secretary of the environment under then-Mayor Andrés Manuel López Obrador, marking the beginning of their long political association. In 2018, she achieved another milestone by becoming the first woman elected as mayor of Mexico City, a position she held until 2023 when she resigned to pursue her presidential aspirations.
Enthusiastic supporters of Claudia Sheinbaum celebrate her historic presidential win at the Zócalo in Mexico City.
A Landmark Election for Women in Mexico Amidst Violence
The 2024 election, which featured two prominent female candidates in Sheinbaum and Gálvez, has been widely hailed as a watershed moment for women in Mexican politics. For many, Sheinbaum’s victory represents the culmination of decades of progress in women’s rights and political participation. Edelmira Montiel, an 87-year-old voter, expressed her profound gratitude at witnessing a woman elected president, recalling the era when women in Mexico were disenfranchised. “Before, we couldn’t even vote, and when you could, it was to vote for the person your husband told you to vote for. Thank God that has changed and I get to live it,” she told Reuters, highlighting the significant advancements since women gained the right to vote in national elections in 1953.
However, the celebratory atmosphere surrounding this historic election was shadowed by the pervasive issue of violence that plagued the campaign period. Alongside the presidential race, Mexico held elections for all members of Congress, governorships in eight states, the head of Mexico City’s government, and numerous local positions. Tragically, local candidates were particularly targeted by violence leading up to the vote. Government figures indicate that over 20 candidates were killed across Mexico, while independent surveys suggest the number might be as high as 37. This violence became a central theme in the campaign, with Gálvez strongly criticizing the government and Sheinbaum for failing to adequately address the escalating crime rates. Gálvez pledged to be a “bravest president” who would confront crime head-on but offered limited specifics on her strategies to combat the powerful criminal cartels responsible for much of the violence.
Following Sheinbaum’s undeniable victory, Gálvez contacted her to concede and voiced her concerns about the state of the nation. “I told her I saw a Mexico with a lot of pain and violence. I wished that she could solve the severe problems our people have,” Gálvez recounted about their conversation.
Xóchitl Gálvez acknowledges defeat in the presidential race, paving the way for a peaceful transition of power.
Challenges and Priorities for the Incoming President
Addressing Mexico’s entrenched issues with violent cartels will undoubtedly be a paramount challenge for President-elect Sheinbaum as she assumes office. She has articulated a strategy that emphasizes tackling the root causes of violence, advocating for investments in social welfare programs aimed at preventing vulnerable young individuals from being recruited by criminal organizations. This approach suggests a continuation of some policies initiated by her predecessor, López Obrador, while potentially incorporating new strategies to enhance effectiveness.
Regarding international relations, particularly with the United States, which experienced periods of strain under López Obrador, Sheinbaum has signaled a desire for a more stable and respectful dynamic. She affirmed her commitment to fostering “a relationship of friendship, mutual respect and equality” with the US. Furthermore, recognizing the significant Mexican diaspora in the US, she pledged to “always defend the Mexicans who are on the other side of the border,” indicating a focus on protecting the interests of Mexican citizens living and working in the United States.
López Obrador, who remains highly popular with an approval rating near 60%, significantly boosted Sheinbaum’s campaign through his endorsement and support. Voters who backed Sheinbaum often cited their approval of López Obrador’s party program focused on poverty reduction and expressed a desire for continuity in these policies. As Mexico embarks on this new chapter with its first female president, the nation and the world will be watching to see how Sheinbaum navigates these complex challenges and fulfills the promise of her historic election.
