In this week's episode of then & now we explore a landmark moment in Mexican politics: the election of Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo as the country's first female president at the beginning of June 2024. Environmental scientist Sheinbaum secured a decisive victory, succeeding the current president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

Joining us is Leila Miller, a seasoned former correspondent for the LA Times based in Mexico City. We delve into the legacies of López Obrador and the contrasting political trajectories of the two female candidates in the recent election, Claudia Sheinbaum and Xóchitl Gálvez. Miller provides an in-depth analysis of their distinct backgrounds and political ideologies, highlighting López Obrador's pivotal role in Sheinbaum’s success and how his influence may shape her presidency.

Finally, we examine the broader implications of Sheinbaum's victory for Mexico's relationship with the United States and its potential impact on international politics.

Leila Miller is a freelance journalist based in Mexico City.