In a historic landslide win, Claudia Sheinbaum has been elected as Mexico’s first woman president, marking a significant moment in the country’s political landscape. The official electoral authority announced preliminary results showing the 61-year-old former mayor of Mexico City securing between 58% and 60% of the vote in Sunday’s election, establishing a lead of about 30 percentage points over her main rival, businesswoman Xóchitl Gálvez. Ms. Sheinbaum is set to succeed her mentor, outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, on 1 October.
The election of a woman to the highest office has been an emotionally charged moment for many, symbolizing a significant breakthrough in Mexican politics. In her victory speech, Ms. Sheinbaum emphasized the historic nature of her presidency, stating, “For the first time in the 200 years of the [Mexican] Republic, I will become the first woman president of Mexico,” underscoring the significance of this milestone for all women. Her commitment to continuity and building on the progress made by President López Obrador, particularly in welfare programs, reflects her intention to carry forward the popular initiatives of the outgoing administration.
Prior to her presidential bid, Ms. Sheinbaum held the influential position of mayor of Mexico City, demonstrating her political acumen and paving the way for her historic candidacy. With a background in science and a notable career as an energy scientist, Ms. Sheinbaum’s journey to the presidency is marked by her expertise and dedication to public service. Her pledge to address the root causes of violence in Mexico, particularly by investing in welfare programs to dissuade vulnerable young people from joining criminal groups, highlights her commitment to tackling critical issues facing the nation.
While the election of Ms. Sheinbaum and her rival, Ms. Gálvez, as the two front-runners, was widely celebrated, the campaign was marred by violent attacks, underscoring the challenges facing Mexico’s political landscape. With the transition of power looming, Ms. Sheinbaum faces the daunting task of addressing issues such as the country’s complex relationship with the United States and the pervasive influence of criminal cartels, which have been sources of contention and instability in recent years.
In the wake of her decisive victory, Ms. Sheinbaum has expressed her commitment to fostering a relationship of friendship, mutual respect, and equality with the United States while also pledging to advocate for Mexicans living and working across the border. Her presidency is poised to confront multifaceted challenges, including the need to address internal violence, strengthen diplomatic ties, and uphold the welfare programs pivotal to her predecessor’s popularity.
As Mexico ushers in a new era with the election of its first woman president, the nation stands at a pivotal juncture, poised to witness the unfolding of transformative policies and the advancement of women’s representation in the highest echelons of power.
