Claudia Sheinbaum has achieved a historic victory in Mexico's presidential election, becoming the country's first female president in a landslide win. The official electoral authority reported preliminary results indicating that Sheinbaum, the 61-year-old former mayor of Mexico City, secured between 58% and 60% of the vote, leading by a significant margin of about 30 percentage points over her main rival, Xóchitl Gálvez, a businesswoman. Sheinbaum is set to succeed her mentor, outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, on 1 October.
In her victory speech, Sheinbaum emphasized the significance of her election as the first woman president in Mexico's 200-year history. She expressed gratitude for the collective achievement, stating that her presidency symbolizes progress for all women. She pledged to uphold her responsibilities diligently, aiming to fulfill the expectations of the Mexican people. She also acknowledged her opponent, Xóchitl Gálvez, who gracefully conceded defeat.
Prior to her presidential bid, Sheinbaum held prominent positions, including mayor of Mexico City, a role considered a stepping stone to the presidency. She has a background in science and activism, with expertise in energy engineering and climate change. Throughout her career, she has advocated for environmental sustainability and social welfare. Sheinbaum's victory marks a significant milestone for women in Mexican politics, signaling a new era of representation and empowerment.
While celebrating Sheinbaum's historic win, Mexico also grapples with challenges such as political violence and relations with the United States. Sheinbaum has pledged to address the root causes of violence and invest in social programs to combat crime. Regarding US-Mexico relations, she aims to foster a relationship based on friendship, mutual respect, and support for Mexicans living abroad. With the backing of outgoing President López Obrador and a mandate for continuity, Sheinbaum's presidency holds promise for advancing Mexico's social and economic development.
