Claudia Sheinbaum’s journey from student activist and climate scientist to Mexico’s first female president blends technical expertise with political leadership.
With a focus on security, environmental reform, and institutional control, her presidency marks a turning point in Mexican governance.
Balancing progressive welfare with centralized authority, she is reshaping Mexico through a technocratic, visionary lens, setting a legacy defined by both transformation and controversy.
Claudia Sheinbaum Biography
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo was born on June 24, 1962, in Mexico City, to parents Annie Pardo Cemo (a biologist) and Carlos Sheinbaum (a chemical engineer). She was raised in a spirit of activism, she participated in student protests linked to Mexico’s 1968 democratization efforts.
Claudia Sheinbaum earned a Bachelor’s in Physics, Master’s, and Ph.D. in Energy Engineering from UNAM, conducting research at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Academic Career & Climate Activism
A respected scientist, Sheinbaum joined UNAM’s faculty in 1995 and co-authored important climate research. She contributed to the IPCC, earning a shared Nobel Peace Prize in 2007.
Political Rise & City Leadership
Early political roles included serving as Mexico City’s Environmental Secretary under Andrés Manuel López Obrador in 2000, driving initiatives such as Metrobus implementation and weekday transit improvements.
In 2015, she became Mayor of Tlalpan, followed by election as Head of Government of Mexico City (2018–2023) notably the first woman and Jewish person in that role. During her term, she reduced murder rates by approximately 50% and expanded environmental programs like reforestation and rainwater catchments.
Presidential Election of 2024
In June 2023, Claudia Sheinbaum officially declared her candidacy for Mexico’s 2024 presidential election. On June 12, she announced her resignation as Mayor of Mexico City to focus on her campaign, running under the banner of the MORENA party.
Widely viewed as the ideological successor to President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (2018–2024), Sheinbaum aligns with many of his leftist principles, advocating for universal access to healthcare, education, housing, and employment. However, she has also distinguished herself by diverging from some of López Obrador’s policies—particularly in the areas of climate change and economic strategy.
While the current administration has prioritized economic growth through investments in the petroleum sector, Sheinbaum has opposed such fossil fuel-dependent approaches. Instead, she has championed a shift toward renewable energy sources, advocating for a state-supported transition to cleaner, sustainable alternatives.
Presidency & National Reforms (2024–Present)
Sheinbaum was elected in June 2024 with nearly 60% of the vote, she became Mexico’s first female President, succeeding López Obrador. She was inaugurated on October 1, 2024, pledging enhanced public safety, social welfare, and green energy reform.
Notable Early Reforms
In mid-2025, she spearheaded a nine-day legislative blitz enacting 16 measures to centralize power, enforce biometric IDs, strengthen judicial and telecom regulators, and enhance security efforts. Critics say these resemble authoritarian trends, while supporters emphasize national stability.
On foreign affairs and security, she’s cooperating closely with the U.S. to combat cartels and enhance intelligence sharing, while protecting Mexico’s sovereignty amid new challenges.
Personal Life
Sheinbaum married fellow politician Carlos Ímaz in 1987; they divorced in 2016 and share a daughter (Mariana) and stepson. In November 2023, she wed Jesús María Tarriba Unger, a financial risk analyst, becoming Mexico’s first First Gentleman.
Net Worth & Financial Profile
Sheinbaum estimates vary, but sources converge on a net worth between $0.5M–$10M, depending on disclosure assets include an apartment, modest vehicle, and savings. As President, her annual salary is around USD 93K.
Awards & Global Recognition
Sheinbaum is celebrated globally: she received Mexico’s Order of the Aztec Eagle (2024), was named in BBC’s 100 Women, Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women, and Time’s 100 Most Influential People.
