Sheinbaum celebrates Becerra and Hinojosa gubernatorial victories, Digi Mart USA News (Mexico City): Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum celebrated the victories of Xavier Becerra and Gina Hinojosa, two politicians of Mexican origin who were elected governors of California and Texas, respectively, during the U.S. midterm elections on November 3.
During her morning press conference on Wednesday, November 4, the president highlighted the political participation of the Mexican community in the United States. She said the results represent recognition of that community’s presence and influence in the country.
“We are very pleased that Mexican-Americans who are there have this participation and this recognition,” she said from the National Palace.
Sheinbaum also said the results show “a sentiment of the American people,” although she avoided predicting the consequences they could have for relations between Mexico and the United States. She stressed that both governors-elect have their own political agendas and ties to the states they will represent, but also maintain cultural and family relationships with Mexico.
The victories of Becerra and Hinojosa are significant developments in U.S. politics, particularly given the weight of California and Texas in the economic, migration and border relationship with Mexico.
Both races were projected on the night of Tuesday, November 3. Official election results can be consulted on the official electoral portals of California and Texas while the counting and certification process continues.
In California, Xavier Becerra, the Democratic Party candidate, defeated Republican Steve Hilton and became the first Latino directly elected to govern the state. Born in Sacramento, he is the son of parents with Mexican roots.
His mother emigrated from Jalisco to the United States, while his father was born in California and grew up in Tijuana, according to a biography published by the California Department of Justice. Becerra previously served as a federal congressman, California attorney general and secretary of Health and Human Services during the administration of former President Joe Biden.
In Texas, Gina Hinojosa achieved a historic victory by defeating Republican Governor Greg Abbott, who sought a fourth term in office. With this result, Hinojosa became the first Latina elected governor of Texas and ended more than three decades without a Democratic victory in that race.
Hinojosa was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley near the Mexican border. She is a lawyer specializing in labor and civil rights, and has served on a school board and as a state legislator, according to her official biography on the Texas House of Representatives website.
Beyond recognizing the governors-elect, Sheinbaum was also asked about the possible consequences of the midterm elections for Mexico, particularly whether the results could increase political and commercial pressure on the federal government. She declined to anticipate scenarios and said her administration will remain willing to work with U.S.
authorities regardless of the political makeup that results from the elections. “Regardless of the outcome of the election, we always seek the best relationship with the United States,” she said.
She reiterated that this relationship must be built on respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and collaboration without subordination, principles she has defended throughout her administration. Regarding trade talks, including the review of the Mexico-United States-Canada Agreement (USMCA), she said negotiations will continue as they have developed so far.
The presidential stance comes at a relevant moment in the bilateral relationship, amid trade discussions and disagreements over migration and security issues. Although the governors of California and Texas have authority over various state policies, international trade negotiations fall under the authority of the federal U.S.
government. For this reason, Sheinbaum insisted on waiting for the political landscape to develop after the elections before drawing conclusions about its possible effects on Mexico.
