Claudia Sheinbaum Steps Down, Sets Sights on Presidential Race

Mexico City Major Claudia Sheinbaum announced that she will resign from her post on June 16 to compete in MORENA’s internal poll to determine its candidate for the presidential race in 2024. Before leaving her post, Sheinbaum will give an account of the actions achieved during her government and those in progress. 

"Today I want to inform you that I have decided to separate from office definitively on June 16 to become the first woman in the history of Mexico to head the nation's destiny," Sheinbaum said from the Viceregal Palace in Mexico City. After being elected by 2.5 million people in 2018, Sheinbaum announced her decision after MORENA's National Council approved on Sunday that candidates for the presidential candidacy must have resigned from office when registering their aspiration. 

"I make this decision because I consider that I am the only person who will be in the poll who comes from a scientific career and who at the same time has been involved in the struggle for the rights of the people of Mexico, democracy, freedoms, social and environmental justice and women's rights since I was only 15 years old. The polls put us first and I am sure it will continue to be so. According to INEGI, 67.5% of Mexicans are very willing to have a woman president," says Sheinbaum. 

Before stepping down, Sheinbaum will give an account of the actions achieved during her administration, including: the universal Bienestar scholarship for boys and girls Mi Beca Para Empezar (My Starting Scholarship) and the construction of seven new high schools and two public universities, among others. She assured that a "first-class government team would remain at the helm of the city," which will be in charge of completing priority works such as the remodeling of Line 1 of the Metro, the reinforcement of Line 12, the Mexico-Toluca Interurban Train and the solar plant at the Central de Abastos.

After Sheinbaum’s exit, Minister of Government Martí Batres will take the reins of the capital's government. Congress also appointed a new substitute, as established in Article 32 of the Political Constitution of Mexico City.

MORENA will choose its presidential candidate through several polls that will take place between Aug. 28 and Sept. 3. Results will be officially announced on Sept. 6.