Written by Ethan Pezekshki

On June 2nd, 2024, Claudia Sheinbaum made history by being elected as Mexico’s first female president. Moreover, she is also the overwhelmingly Catholic country’s first Jewish president. 

Although Sheinbaum is not religious, she identifies with the Jewish culture. Her grandparents immigrated to Mexico from Bulgaria and Lithuania, escaping poverty and antisemitism. 

In addition, Sheinbaum is a physicist and climate scientist with a Ph.D. in energy engineering. She also previously served as the mayor of Mexico City. During her tenure as mayor during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, she instituted increased testing and restricted businesses. Furthermore, Sheinbaum is a feminist and supporter of LGBTQ rights. Her victory is seen as a significant step forward for gender equality in the country. 

Nevertheless, one of the toughest conflicts she will have to face after she takes office on October 1st will be handling the high levels of violence in Mexico. For instance, 37 political candidates have been assassinated this election cycle. Additionally, drug cartels have been on the rise, with many spewing into the United States. Her victory will also affect U.S.-Mexico relations economically as Mexico is one of America’s most important economic partners.

She is expected to continue the progressive policies of her mentor, outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Her victory is seen as a step toward social changes and further political representation of women in Mexico.+