Mexico City, June 3, 2024 — Claudia Sheinbaum made history on Sunday, becoming Mexico’s first woman president with a resounding electoral victory. The former mayor of Mexico City, representing the ruling party, won approximately 58-60 percent of the vote, according to preliminary results from the National Electoral Institute. This landslide win put her more than 30 percentage points ahead of her closest rival, Xochitl Galvez, and about 50 points ahead of centrist candidate Jorge Alvarez Maynez.
In her victory speech to a jubilant crowd in Mexico City’s main square, Sheinbaum expressed gratitude to her supporters. “I want to thank millions of Mexican women and men who decided to vote for us on this historic day,” she said. “I won’t fail you,” the 61-year-old vowed, committing to addressing the nation’s pressing issues.
The celebration was marked by an outpouring of joy, with flag-waving supporters singing and dancing to mariachi music. Sheinbaum’s triumph is seen as a pivotal moment in a country plagued by rampant criminal and gender-based violence. Her victory is a symbol of hope for many, especially women, who see it as a step towards greater gender equality.
Sheinbaum’s main rival, Xochitl Galvez, conceded defeat gracefully. Meanwhile, outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who enjoys an approval rating above 60 percent, congratulated Sheinbaum warmly. He highlighted her as potentially the president with the most votes in Mexico’s history, signifying widespread support.
Despite the festive mood in the capital, the election was marred by violence in some regions. Drug cartels, entrenched in Mexico’s political landscape, attempted to influence the outcome through intimidation and violence. In a particularly violent electoral season, more than 25 aspiring politicians were murdered. On election day, a local candidate was killed, and violence disrupted voting in parts of Puebla and Chiapas states.
Sheinbaum’s commitment to continuing Lopez Obrador’s “hugs not bullets” strategy of addressing crime at its roots has garnered both support and criticism. While her approach emphasizes social programs and economic opportunities to reduce violence, her opponents, including Galvez, advocate for a tougher stance on crime.
The new president also faces the challenge of managing complex relations with the United States, focusing on cross-border drug smuggling and migration issues.
Women voters, in particular, have high hopes for Sheinbaum’s presidency. Clemencia Hernandez, a 55-year-old cleaner, voiced her optimism: “A female president will be a transformation for this country, and we hope that she does more for women.” Similarly, Daniela Perez, a 30-year-old logistics manager, emphasized the need for action on women’s rights and the alarming rates of femicides.
As Mexico’s new leader, Sheinbaum steps into her role at a critical juncture, with the responsibility to address longstanding issues of crime, corruption, and gender-based violence while fostering progress and equality in the nation.