Introduction to the Historic Judicial Elections in Mexico
On June 1, 2025, Mexico will experience a historic moment with its first-ever judicial elections. This process stems from the Judicial Reform approved in September 2024, which mandates that judges and magistrates be elected by popular vote.
Details of the Judicial Elections
A total of 881 judicial positions will be up for election, including:
- Nine Supreme Court Justices and Justices of the National Supreme Court of Justice (SCJN);
- Two Magistrates for the Superior Chamber of the Federal Judicial Council;
- Fifteen Magistrates for the Regional Chambers of the Federal Electoral Court (TEPJF);
- Five Magistrates for the Judicial Discipline Tribunal;
- 464 Magistrates of Circuit;
- 386 Judges and Judges of District.
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Impact on Mexican Judicial History
This election signifies a watershed moment in Mexico’s judicial history, as citizens will directly decide who occupies crucial positions in justice administration for the first time.
President Claudia Sheinbaum has emphasized the election’s democratic nature and encouraged citizens to research candidates before voting.
Over 99.7 million registered voters on the INE’s List of Nominal will participate in any of the 84,022 polling stations nationwide.
Campaign Strategies and Spending
Social media has been the primary platform for campaigns, with candidates employing unconventional strategies to capture voter attention. Some have used viral videos, fictional characters, and humorous references to stand out.
The National Electoral Institute (INE) reported that candidates have spent over 294 million pesos on their campaigns. Most of these resources have been allocated by SCJN aspirants, investing in public events, digital advertising, and promotional materials.
Among the notable campaigns are those of Dr. Paula María García Villegas Sánchez Cordero, recognized for her compelling arguments, and Luis Rafael Hernández Palacios Mirón, deemed the most social media-savvy minister in the process.
Dear reader: despite candidates’ enthusiasm, the election has been marked by public confusion regarding the positions to be filled.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the significance of these judicial elections in Mexico? These elections represent a historic shift, allowing citizens to directly choose key justice administrators for the first time, enhancing democratic legitimacy and bringing justice closer to the people.
- How many positions are being contested in these elections? A total of 881 judicial positions are up for election, including Supreme Court Justices, Federal Electoral Court Magistrates, Judicial Discipline Tribunal Magistrates, Circuit Magistrates, and District Judges.
- Who are some notable candidates in this process? Dr. Paula María García Villegas Sánchez Cordero and Luis Rafael Hernández Palacios Mirón have been recognized for their compelling campaigns and innovative use of social media strategies.
- What challenges have voters faced during this election process? Public confusion about the various positions and their responsibilities has been a significant challenge during this election process.
