The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
HomePolitics & WorldPoliticianClaudia Sheinbaum
Politics & World • Politician

Claudia Sheinbaum

Claudia Sheinbaum is a Mexican politician, scientist and environmental engineer who became president of Mexico in 2024.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Claudia Sheinbaum is a Mexican politician, scientist and environmental engineer who became president of Mexico in 2024, making history as the first woman and first person of Jewish heritage to hold the office. She previously served as head of government of Mexico City from 2018 to 2023. Canadian readers may encounter Sheinbaum in coverage of Mexico-Canada relations, North American trade, climate policy and migration, as Mexico is a major Canadian partner in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

Early life and education

Claudia Sheinbaum was born in Mexico City on June 24, 1962. She trained as a scientist and environmental engineer, with her early research focusing on energy efficiency, sustainability, and climate-related policy.

Political career

Sheinbaum is a member of Morena, the National Regeneration Movement. She held several public roles before serving as head of government of Mexico City from 2018 to 2023. In 2024, she ran for president as Morena's candidate and won the election, succeeding Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

Presidency

Sheinbaum took office as president of Mexico on October 1, 2024. Her election marked a historic first for women and for people of Jewish heritage in Mexico's highest office.

Public policy and research

Throughout her career, Sheinbaum has combined political leadership with scientific research on climate change, sustainability, and energy efficiency. She is also associated with scientific and policy work connected to the IPCC.

Key facts

  • Sheinbaum became president of Mexico in 2024, the first woman and first person of Jewish heritage to hold the office.
  • She previously served as head of government of Mexico City from 2018 to 2023.
  • She is a member of the Morena party.
  • Her background includes scientific work on energy efficiency and climate policy.
  • Mexico is a key partner for Canada under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
🍁
Canadian context

Canadian readers may encounter Sheinbaum in coverage of Mexico-Canada relations, North American trade, climate policy and migration, especially because Mexico is a major Canadian partner in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Claudia Sheinbaum?
She is a Mexican politician, scientist and environmental engineer who became president of Mexico in 2024.
When was Claudia Sheinbaum born?
She was born on June 24, 1962, in Mexico City, Mexico.
What office did she hold before becoming president?
She served as head of government of Mexico City from 2018 to 2023.
What party does Claudia Sheinbaum belong to?
She is a member of Morena, the National Regeneration Movement.
Why is her presidency historically significant?
She is the first woman and the first person of Jewish heritage to be elected president of Mexico.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Claudia-Sheinbaum
    Supports: Birth date and place, profession, presidency, prior service as mayor/head of government, and historic firsts.
  2. CNNhttps://www.cnn.com/world/claudia-sheinbaum-fast-facts
    Supports: Birth date and place, election as president, inauguration date, and historical significance.
  3. Wilson Centerhttps://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/candidate-profile-claudia-sheinbaum-pardo
    Supports: Political affiliation, mayoral role, and background as a scientist and environmental engineer.
  4. World Economic Forumhttps://www.weforum.org/people/claudia-sheinbaum-pardo/
    Supports: Mayoral role, earlier public offices, and Nobel Peace Prize association through the IPCC.