On October 1, 2024, Claudia Sheinbaum was officially sworn in as the first woman president of Mexico, marking a historic moment in the country’s political landscape. The 62-year-old scientist and politician, previously the mayor of Mexico City, takes on this monumental role during a period of significant challenges for Mexico, including economic instability, social inequality, and ongoing violence. Her presidency breaks a tradition of over two centuries of male leadership, making her a trailblazer for women in Latin American politics.
Sheinbaum’s political career is deeply intertwined with Mexico’s current ruling party, Morena, which was founded by her mentor and predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO). Having served as an influential figure within his administration and a staunch supporter of his policies, Sheinbaum’s presidency is expected to maintain a strong continuity with AMLO’s governance. Her campaign emphasized social welfare, economic development, and a commitment to tackling the country’s deep-rooted issues of crime, poverty, and inequality, which remain pressing concerns for millions of Mexicans.
Her inauguration ceremony, held in the National Congress of Mexico, was a highly symbolic moment. Crowds of supporters gathered both inside and outside the venue, with chants of “Presidenta! Presidenta!” echoing through the streets of Mexico City. In her speech, Sheinbaum expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she received during the election, which she won by a wide margin in June 2024. She secured nearly 60% of the vote, defeating her main opponent, Xóchitl Gálvez, who garnered less than 30%.
As the first Jewish president of Mexico, Sheinbaum’s rise to power also marks another cultural milestone for the nation. She was born to a Jewish family of Eastern European descent and was raised in Mexico City, where her academic and scientific career flourished. Before entering politics, Sheinbaum earned a Ph.D. in energy engineering from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and became a respected figure in environmental science. Her work in energy conservation and sustainable development led her to join various global initiatives, including her contributions to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007.
Sheinbaum’s political ascent began in the late 1990s when she became closely aligned with López Obrador, then the mayor of Mexico City. She served in various governmental roles, eventually becoming the head of Mexico City’s environmental ministry. Her tenure as the mayor of Mexico City from 2018 to 2023 further solidified her reputation as a capable leader, particularly in her efforts to address urban crime, improve transportation infrastructure, and expand social services for the city’s poorest residents.
As she assumes the presidency, Sheinbaum inherits a country facing a myriad of challenges. Economic growth has slowed in recent years, partly due to the lingering effects of the global pandemic and external trade uncertainties. Additionally, Mexico continues to grapple with high levels of violence, largely driven by powerful drug cartels that operate in many regions of the country. Addressing these issues, while also promoting sustainable development and expanding social programs, will be key tests of her leadership.
Despite the difficulties ahead, Sheinbaum’s presidency has already sparked a wave of optimism, particularly among women’s rights groups and progressive activists who see her victory as a sign of long-overdue gender equality in Mexico’s political arena. In her inaugural address, Sheinbaum pledged to prioritize women’s rights and strengthen protections for vulnerable communities, emphasizing her commitment to creating a more just and equitable society.
Claudia Sheinbaum’s election represents a turning point for Mexico, not only because of her gender and cultural heritage but also for her promise to bring scientific expertise and progressive values into the presidency. As she embarks on this new chapter, her administration will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally, as it seeks to navigate Mexico through a complex and challenging future.