Claudia Sheinbaum, the frontrunner in Mexico’s 2024 presidential race, has married her longtime partner Jesús María Tarriba in an intimate ceremony in Mexico City.
The news surprised many, as Sheinbaum had not previously indicated when the wedding would take place. However, the timing aligns with the former mayor of Mexico City gearing up for the official start of presidential campaigning on November 20.
Sheinbaum announced the marriage Friday via social media, sharing photos of herself and Tarriba signing documents and posing with wedding rings. “I share with you that today, Jesús and I got married in an intimate, family ceremony. We are very happy,” she wrote.
The small private event is said to have included only the couple’s closest family members. This contrasts with Sheinbaum’s very public life over her decades-long political career.
Sheinbaum Poised to Make History in 2024 Election
As Mexico’s first viable female presidential candidate, Sheinbaum is set to make history next year. The progressive politician represents the MORENA party, which controls the presidency under Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
Sheinbaum has served as Mexico City’s mayor while leading MORENA’s national efforts to promote its agenda. Polls consistently place her as the dominant front-runner in the presidential race.
Sheinbaum would also be the first president married to a same-sex partner if elected. Her new husband, Jesús María Tarriba, is a physicist who once dated Sheinbaum while they were in college.
Marriage Comes After Whirlwind Political Romance
Sheinbaum revealed last year that she and Tarriba reconnected via social media decades after their college relationship ended. Sheinbaum was single again after a 30-year marriage.
Sparks flew once more for the former lovers when Tarriba came to visit from Spain, where he had lived for 18 years. The two quickly became inseparable, with Tarriba ultimately moving to Mexico City to be with Sheinbaum as she led the city government.
In radio and TV interviews, Sheinbaum has praised Tarriba effusively, calling him “a marvel” and highlighting his intellect, tranquility, and passion for reading. Tarriba has occasionally accompanied Sheinbaum at political events but has largely stayed out of the spotlight.
The newlyweds announced their engagement in 2021. But no wedding date was set until now, with Sheinbaum seeming to keep the nuptials low-key and focused on close family intentionally.
Sheinbaum Heads Into Campaign Homestretch
With the marriage official, Sheinbaum will be heading into a hectic campaign season. But she will do so with her new husband, Tarriba, presumably at her side offering support.
MORENA will hold its official pre-campaign event for Sheinbaum on November 20 in Veracruz. This kicks off several months of rallies, speeches, interviews, and debates.
Sheinbaum is expected to tout her track record as mayor while promising to carry forward MORENA’s social welfare and reform programs agenda. Polls show her with a dominant lead over other candidates.
Her closest competitor is expected to be Xóchitl Gálvez, a senator representing the conservative PAN party. Gálvez is struggling to unite a fractured opposition.
The wild card remains Mexico City mayor Samuel García, an independent known for reaching across party lines. García polls in the single digits, but his numbers have slowly ticked up.
Sheinbaum has warned against becoming overconfident, knowing Mexico’s history of close presidential elections. She appears ready to crisscross the nation, campaigning hard for every vote.
Implications of a Sheinbaum Presidency
A Sheinbaum win, which analysts increasingly view as likely, would usher in a new era for gender roles in Mexico. Even her critics acknowledge the significance of the first female president.
On policy, Sheinbaum is devoted to AMLO’s vision for Mexico, from social welfare programs to expanding state influence in sectors like energy. She’s expected to double down on these leftist programs.
Economists worry about Mexico’s deficits and debt under this agenda. But supporters welcome the focus on aiding the poor first.
Internationally, Sheinbaum may rebalance ties toward Latin America and away from the close partnership with the US under AMLO. Issues like immigration and trade are sure to come up.
Overall, Sheinbaum’s imminent presidency speaks to the rapid social changes happening in Mexico. The nation seems ready to embrace a highly educated, progressive woman as leader – another history-making moment in a career full of them.