Understanding the Recent Judicial Elections in Mexico
On June 1, 2025, Mexico held its first-ever direct elections to choose judges, magistrates, and justices. This historic event saw the voting for 881 federal positions and over 1,800 state-level positions within the judicial system.
Key Points about the Upcoming Judicial Elections
Following this groundbreaking experience, many are curious about the timing of future judicial elections. According to the reform to the Judicial Power published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF) on September 15, 2024, the next popular election for judicial positions will take place in 2027. This will involve selecting district and circuit court magistrates, as outlined in the Second Transitorial Article:
“For the case of Circuit and District Court Magistrates and Judges, the election will be staggered. Half of the corresponding circuit judicial positions will be renewed through the extraordinary election in 2025, while the remaining half will be renewed during the federal ordinary election in 2027.”
Furthermore, the Eighth Transitorial Article of the decree specifies that:
“The renewal of all positions for the election of local judicial powers must conclude with the federal ordinary election in 2027, according to the terms and modalities they determine. In any case, local elections must coincide with the date of the extraordinary election in 2025 or the ordinary election in 2027.”
What Happens After the 2025 Judicial Elections?
Winning candidates from the 2025 election process must take their oath and assume their functions on September 1 in the Senate, following result validation by electoral and judicial authorities as per the Second Transitorial Article:
“The elected individuals will take their oath of office before the Senate of the Republic on September 1, 2025. The judicial administrative body must assign the elected individuals to their respective judicial bodies no later than September 15, 2025.”
Key Questions and Answers
- When will the next judicial elections be held in Mexico? The subsequent popular election for judicial positions will take place in 2027.
- What positions will be up for election in 2027? The elections will focus on selecting district and circuit court magistrates.
- When will the newly elected officials assume their roles? Winning candidates must take their oath and assume functions on September 1, 2025.
- How will local judicial power elections be coordinated with the 2025 and 2027 elections? Local judicial power elections must conclude with the federal ordinary election in 2027, aligning with either the extraordinary election in 2025 or the ordinary election in 2027.
