The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Archive: Former Ambassador Roberta Jacobson on the Mexico Presidential Election
9 snips
Jan 11, 2026 
Roberta Jacobson, the former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, brings her wealth of experience to discuss the historic election of Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico's first female and Jewish president. They delve into voter concerns over cartel violence and the economy, and the potential implications of Sheinbaum's relationship with AMLO. Jacobson also highlights the troubling rise of one-party dominance and the risks it poses to democracy. Analyzing future U.S.-Mexico relations, she emphasizes the importance of cabinet selections and key security issues to watch for in the new administration.
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Morena's Overwhelming Mandate
- Morena won a landslide with Claudia Sheinbaum beating her closest rival by 30 points.
- The party also captured seven governorships and a supermajority in the lower house, concentrating power nationwide.
Erosion Of Checks And Balances
- Roberta Jacobson warns the concern is not just reelection but erosion of checks and balances under AMLO.
- Budget cuts to independent agencies, including the electoral institute, heightened authoritarian risks.
Judicial Overhaul Raises Big Risks
- Proposed judicial reforms would make judges elected at all levels, including the Supreme Court.
- Jacobson says electing judges risks politicizing the judiciary and increasing legal uncertainty for investors.