Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the election of Xavier Becerra in California and Gina Hinojosa in Texas, calling their victories recognition for Mexican Americans. (Foto: Instagram)
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the election of two politicians of Mexican descent as governors of California and Texas, saying their victories reflected a broader sentiment among Americans. She made the remarks at a news conference on Wednesday, Nov. 4, a day after the U.S. midterm elections.
Sheinbaum highlighted Xavier Becerra’s win in California and Gina Hinojosa’s victory in Texas. Both are Democrats and have parents or other family members who were born in Mexico.
“I think this reflects a sentiment among the American people. I would like to highlight the victories of two people of Mexican descent: the governor-elect of California and the governor-elect of Texas,” Sheinbaum said.
She also emphasized the candidates’ ties to Mexico and said their victories represented recognition for the Mexican American community in the United States. She said one or both of each candidate’s parents were born in Mexico, adding that they were connected to their states and political platforms as well as to Mexicans.
“We are very pleased that Mexican Americans living there are participating and receiving this recognition,” Sheinbaum said.
In California, Becerra defeated Republican Steve Hilton, becoming the first Latino elected directly as the state’s governor. He previously served as secretary of Health and Human Services under President Joe Biden, California attorney general and a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
In Texas, Hinojosa defeated Republican Greg Abbott, who was seeking a fourth term. Her victory ended three decades of Republican dominance in the state’s gubernatorial race and made her the first Hispanic woman elected governor of Texas.
The two victories came in midterm elections held Tuesday, Nov. 3. Democrats also won majorities in the House of Representatives and the Senate, dealing a setback to President Donald Trump’s party. Sheinbaum said Mexico intends to maintain its relationship and cooperation with the United States regardless of the country’s political makeup, while respecting Mexico’s sovereignty.
