In a historic milestone, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has become the first woman to be elected President of Mexico, securing a decisive victory according to the official results announced so far. Sheinbaum, representing the left-wing Morena party, garnered between 58 and 60 percent of the vote, leaving her main rival, Xóchitl Gálvez, in second place.
Born in 1962, Sheinbaum has a distinguished background both academically and politically. A physicist by training with a doctorate in environmental engineering, she is also a mother of two and of Bulgarian and Lithuanian descent. Her political career is marked by several notable achievements, including her tenure as the first female Mayor of Mexico City from 2018 to 2023, a metropolis home to over nine million residents.
Sheinbaum’s political journey began earlier, serving as the Secretary of the Environment in Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s government from 2000 to 2006. Known affectionately by the public simply as “Claudia,” her election as President signifies a groundbreaking moment in Mexico’s political landscape.
Her victory is seen as a testament to her leadership and the growing support for progressive policies in the country. As she takes office, Sheinbaum is poised to steer Mexico towards a new chapter, building on her extensive experience in both governance and environmental stewardship.