Claudia Sheinbaum Makes History as Mexico's First Female President in Landslide Win

In a landmark moment for Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum has been elected as the nation's first woman president, securing a historic landslide victory.

Preliminary results from Mexico's official electoral authority indicate that the 61-year-old former mayor of Mexico City garnered between 58% and 60% of the vote in Sunday's election, providing her a commanding lead of about 30 percentage points over her main rival, businesswoman Xóchitl Gálvez.

Sheinbaum is set to succeed her mentor, outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, on October 1st. Known for her background as an energy scientist, Sheinbaum has vowed to continue López Obrador's legacy, particularly the welfare programs that have bolstered his popularity.

A Historic Achievement for Women in Mexico

In her victory speech, Sheinbaum highlighted the significance of her election, marking it as a historic milestone for women in Mexico. "For the first time in the 200 years of the [Mexican] Republic, I will become the first woman president of Mexico," she declared to a crowd of enthusiastic supporters. She emphasized that her victory was not just personal but a collective achievement for all women. "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," she asserted. "I won't fail you," she added, reassuring her supporters.

Sheinbaum also graciously acknowledged her rival, Xóchitl Gálvez, who conceded defeat and extended her wishes for Sheinbaum to address the severe challenges facing Mexico. Gálvez had campaigned on a platform of confronting the country's rampant crime and violence, though she was criticized for not providing concrete plans to tackle the powerful criminal cartels behind much of the violence.

A Distinguished Career Leading to the Presidency

Before her presidential bid, Sheinbaum served as the mayor of Mexico City, one of the most influential political roles in the country, often seen as a stepping stone to the presidency. Her journey into politics is rooted in an illustrious career as a scientist. With Jewish maternal grandparents who fled the Nazis in Bulgaria and paternal grandparents from Lithuania, Sheinbaum’s heritage is marked by resilience and perseverance.

Both of Sheinbaum’s parents were scientists, and she followed in their footsteps by studying physics and earning a doctorate in energy engineering. Her expertise in climate change and energy consumption was honed at a renowned research lab in California. This scientific background, combined with her student activism, paved the way for her appointment as secretary of the environment for Mexico City during López Obrador's tenure as mayor.

In 2018, Sheinbaum made history as the first female mayor of Mexico City, a position she held until 2023 when she stepped down to run for president. Her tenure as mayor solidified her reputation as a capable leader, setting the stage for her successful presidential campaign.

Challenges Ahead: Tackling Violence and Strengthening US Relations

One of the foremost challenges awaiting Sheinbaum is addressing Mexico's pervasive violence, largely driven by powerful criminal cartels. Throughout her campaign, she emphasized the need to address the root causes of violence, promising to invest in welfare programs aimed at preventing poor young Mexicans from being lured into criminal groups.

Relations with the United States, strained at times under López Obrador, will also be a critical area for Sheinbaum. She has pledged to foster "a relationship of friendship, mutual respect, and equality" with Mexico's northern neighbor. Additionally, she vowed to defend the rights of Mexicans living and working in the US, signaling a commitment to the diaspora that has long been a cornerstone of Mexico-US relations.

Continuity and Change

Sheinbaum's victory is seen as a continuation of the policies initiated by López Obrador, whose administration has focused on alleviating poverty and expanding social welfare programs. López Obrador, who cannot seek a second term due to Mexico's constitutional limits on presidential terms, endorsed Sheinbaum, providing a significant boost to her campaign given his high approval rating of close to 60%.

Many of Sheinbaum's supporters are drawn to Morena's (the ruling party) commitment to social justice and poverty alleviation, goals that Sheinbaum has promised to uphold and expand. Her election represents both a continuity of López Obrador's vision and a new chapter in Mexico's political landscape, marked by the historic election of its first female president.

A New Era for Mexico

Sheinbaum's election is a momentous occasion in Mexico's history, reflecting broader social changes and the growing influence of women in Mexican politics. For many, her victory is a source of immense pride and hope. Edelmira Montiel, 87, expressed her joy at witnessing this historic moment, recalling a time when women in Mexico couldn't even vote. "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.

As Sheinbaum prepares to take office, she faces the dual challenge of continuing her predecessor’s popular policies while addressing the deep-seated issues of violence and inequality. Her leadership will be crucial in shaping Mexico's future, offering a beacon of hope for progress and gender equality in the nation.