Mexico has made history by electing Claudia Sheinbaum as its first female president in the country’s 200-year history. The climate scientist and former Mexico City mayor secured a landslide victory, with preliminary results indicating she won between 58.3% and 60.7% of the vote. This significant lead of around 30 percentage points over her main competitor, Xóchitl Gálvez, solidified her position as the projected winner.
In her victory speech, Sheinbaum acknowledged the historical significance of her election, stating, “I will become the first woman president of Mexico. I don’t make it alone. We’ve all made it, with our heroines who gave us our homeland, with our mothers, our daughters and our granddaughters.” She emphasized her commitment to the Mexican people and thanked her rival for her concession
The election was marred by violent attacks, with over 20 reported fatalities of local candidates across Mexico. Despite this, the campaign highlighted the importance of addressing the roots of violence and investing in welfare programs to prevent young Mexicans from joining criminal groups. Sheinbaum has pledged to continue the welfare programs initiated by her mentor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and to address the country’s violent cartels and maintain diplomatic relations with the United States.
Sheinbaum’s presidency will begin on October 1, and she has promised to build upon the “advances” made during López Obrador’s tenure. Her victory has been met with enthusiasm, with many celebrating the historic moment and the potential for a new direction in Mexican politics.
