On June 2nd, citizens of Mexico will head to the polls for the 2024 Mexican Elections. This has garnered significant attention as it marks a potential historic moment for Mexico – the possibility of the first female president leading the country in its 200-year history as a Republic. Xóchitl Gálvez and Claudia Sheinbaum have emerged as the frontrunners, with both candidates actively integrating gender-focused language and policies into their campaigns, reshaping the landscape of the Mexican presidential race.
The two candidates hold contrasting political ideologies. Xóchitl Gálvez, who represents the opposition political parties coalition known as Fuerza y Corazón por México (Strength and Heart for Mexico), prioritizes transparency, social justice, and economic development. Her candidacy represents a significant step forward for women in Mexican politics, from her origins to potentially marking her as the first female president of Mexico.
Biography of Xóchitl Gálvez
Xóchitl Gálvez was born on February 22, 1963, in Hidalgo, and was raised in the indigenous Otomi community of Tepatepec. Her parents, Heladio Gálvez Cruz, a rural teacher, and Bertha Ruiz López, instilled in her the values of perseverance and education.
Despite facing domestic violence and economic struggles as a child, Xóchitl Gálvez was determined to forge a different path. At the age of 16, she moved to Mexico City to pursue her education. She graduated as a computer engineer from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and earned several specializations in technology, artificial intelligence, and sustainability.
In 1992, Gálvez founded High Tech Services, a company specializing in the development of intelligent buildings, energy-saving solutions, and process automation. She also established OMEI, a company focused on the operation and maintenance of smart infrastructures. As the honorary president of the Porvenir Foundation, Gálvez has directed profits from her enterprises to support marginalized communities, addressing issues such as child malnutrition and economic development for women in indigenous areas.
Political Career
Xóchitl Gálvez‘s political career began during President Vicente Fox’s administration (2000-2006), when she served as the head of the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples.
In the 2015 Mexican elections, Gálvez was elected as the mayor of Miguel Hidalgo, one of Mexico City’s important boroughs, and served until 2018. During her tenure, she focused on improving local infrastructure and public services. Subsequently, in the 2018 Mexican elections, she was elected as a senator. In this role, she advocated for progressive policies on social issues such as abortion, drug policy, and social spending, despite her affiliation with the center-right National Action Party (PAN).
Who is Xóchitl Gálvez’s Husband?
Xóchitl Gálvez is currently in a relationship with Rubén Sánchez. Although they are not legally married, they have been together since their college days and have formed a family.
They have two children, Diana Vega Gálvez and Juan Pablo Sánchez.
Personal Interests of Xóchitl Gálvez
Xóchitl Gálvez is well-known for her charismatic and extroverted personality. She enjoys connecting with people. Her interests include technology, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development. She is an active entrepreneur and has founded several companies. She likes soccer and is a passionate fan of the Cruz Azul team. In the last championship final, she even lost a bet and had to wear the winner’s team shirt for a moment. She also loves riding a bicycle.
Mexican Elections 2024: Xóchitl Gálvez
Full Name: Bertha Xóchitl Gálvez Ruiz.
Date of Birth: February 22, 1963.
Place of Birth: Tepatepec, Hidalgo.
Age: 61 years old.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from UNAM. Specializations in: Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Sustainability.
Political Positions: Head of the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples (2000-2006), Mayor of Miguel Hidalgo boroughs (2015-2018), Senator (2018-2023)
Family.
Parents: Heladio Gálvez Cruz, rural teacher, and Bertha Ruiz López.
Marital Status: Current partner, Rubén Sánchez, chemical engineer, and entrepreneur.
Children: Diana Vega Gálvez and Juan Pablo Sánchez.
Family Origin: Otomi community of Tepatepec, Hidalgo.
Academic Background: Post-degree in robotics, artificial intelligence, sustainability.
Political Affiliation: National Action Party (PAN); currently, she runs for the Fuerza y Corazón por México coalition.
Personal Interests: Technology and sustainable development. She likes dogs and has adopted the current one after she rescued her. She is a very passionate fan of the Cruz Azul soccer team and loves to ride a bicycle.
Mexican Elections Date: When will the 2024 Presidential Elections take place in Mexico?
This Sunday, June 2nd, the Mexican Presidential race will have a winner. However, Mexicans will also vote to elect deputies, senators, and in several states, governors, mayors, and local deputies.
