Mexico Prepares for Historic Election of Judges and Supreme Court Justices

Over 34,000 candidates register for unprecedented judicial elections in June 2025, raising concerns about impartiality and influence.

Mexico will hold its first-ever elections for judges and Supreme Court justices on June 1, 2025, as part of a sweeping judicial reform enacted by the ruling Morena party.
More than 34,000 individuals, including lawyers, academics, and activists, have registered as candidates for 881 judicial posts and nine Supreme Court seats.
Critics warn the reforms could compromise judicial independence, with concerns about political and criminal influences on elected judges and potential bias in the candidate evaluation process.
The reform replaces the traditional appointment system with a process requiring candidates to meet basic qualifications and pass a random selection for ballot placement, prompting protests from judicial workers and legal experts.
Supporters argue the changes aim to address corruption and inefficiency in Mexico's judiciary, but international partners like the U.S. and Canada have expressed concerns about the reforms' impact on legal stability and investor confidence.