Mexico made history with the election of Claudia Sheinbaum as the country’s first female president. This significant achievement marks a transformative moment for Mexico, a country known for its deeply patriarchal culture. Sheinbaum, the former head of the government of Mexico City and candidate for the ruling Morena party, rode the wave of popularity of her longtime political ally, outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
Sheinbaum’s victory was expected, with a sample vote count indicating she would receive at least 58% of the vote. The Electoral Court still needs to validate the election results, but if confirmed, Sheinbaum will assume office on October 1.
Who is Claudia Sheinbaum?
Claudia Sheinbaum is a 61-year-old former climate scientist who holds a degree in physics and a master’s and doctorate in energy engineering. Her academic career has earned her several accolades, including contributing to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. Born in Mexico City in 1962, Sheinbaum has two children and one grandchild. Her partner, Jesús MarÃa Tarriba, is currently a financial risk specialist at the Bank of Mexico.
Sheinbaum’s political journey began in 2000 when she was appointed Secretary of the Environment for the Federal District under López Obrador’s administration. She later became the first woman elected as the head of the Tlalpan borough and served as the head of government of Mexico City from 2018 to June 2023. As part of her campaign within Morena, Sheinbaum was designated the coordinator for the Defense of the Transformation, focusing on promoting the values of López Obrador’s policy.
Challenges Ahead
One of the biggest challenges Sheinbaum will face is tackling violence in Mexico, which has reached alarming levels. This election marked the bloodiest in Mexico’s history, with criminal organizations targeting and killing political candidates. The homicide rate in Mexico is among the highest in the world, and the country also faces high rates of femicide. Sheinbaum will need to address these security issues promptly.
Will Freeman, a fellow for Latin America studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, believes that Sheinbaum’s team from her time as Mexico City mayor has a proven record on improving security. However, it remains to be seen if she can replicate those successes on a national scale.
US-Mexico Relations
The election in Mexico comes at a critical time for US-Mexico relations as both countries will hold elections in 2024. Mexico is an important ally for the US on various issues, including trade, drug trafficking, and migration management. The relationship between President Joe Biden and López Obrador has been described as friendly and professional, and a productive relationship is expected with Mexico’s next president.
However, the election in Mexico raises some uncertainty for the Biden administration regarding border cooperation. In recent months, the US has relied heavily on Mexico’s assistance in immigration enforcement and controlling migration to the US southern border. The transition of power in Mexico could potentially impact this cooperation, and the administration will need to navigate this situation carefully.
Looking ahead, Sheinbaum’s presidency brings hope for transformative change in Mexico. As the country’s first female president, she not only breaks gender barriers but also represents a diverse heritage as the first president with Jewish ancestry. Her expertise in climate change and renewable energy, along with her experience in government, positions her to address crucial issues facing Mexico and foster positive relations with international partners like the US.
