Who is Claudia Sheinbaum, the Nobel winner poised to become Mexico’s first woman president

Her father, a chemical engineer, and her mother, a cellular biologist, instilled in her a passion for both politics and the environment.

Sheinbaum’s academic journey led her to study physics and energy engineering, culminating in a doctorate from the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

She spent time at the University of California, Berkeley, refining her expertise in climate science and polishing her fluent English. Her scholarly work contributed to a 2007 Nobel Peace Prize-winning report on climate change, underscoring her credentials as a climate scientist.

Her political career was catalysed by her association with Obrador. In 2000, when Obrador was elected mayor of Mexico City, he appointed Sheinbaum as his environment secretary.

Her role involved tackling the city’s severe pollution and transportation issues, marking her entry into high-profile public service. She later served as the chief spokesperson for Obrador’s first presidential campaign in 2006, which he narrowly lost.

In 2015, Sheinbaum was elected to govern Tlalpan, Mexico City’s largest borough.  Despite facing criticism for the collapse of a school during a 2017 earthquake, she won a historic victory in 2018 as the first woman elected mayor of Mexico City.

Her tenure was noted for significant improvements in the city’s security, with the murder rate falling by 50%. However, she also faced scrutiny for a 2021 subway accident that resulted in 26 deaths, attributed partly to maintenance issues on her watch.

Sheinbaum’s alignment with Obrador’s policies, particularly his focus on social welfare and infrastructure projects, has been a cornerstone of her political platform. However, she brings her own scientific perspective to the table, emphasising the importance of renewable energy and climate change mitigation.

Critics label her as a continuation of Obrador’s government, but she insists on her independent vision and strategic approach.

If elected, Sheinbaum would not only be Mexico’s first woman president but also its first leader of Jewish heritage.

Her candidacy represents a blend of progressive policies and pragmatic governance, promising to address issues like security, climate change, and economic inequality with a balanced and informed approach.