Head of Government of the Federal District
Encyclopedia
The Head of Government wields executive power in the Mexican Federal District.
The Head of Government serves a six-year term, running concurrently with that of the President of the Republic
.
The federal district
, or D.F., is the seat of national executive, legislative
, and judicial power, and is largely contiguous with the core of the sprawling Mexico City conurbation.
According to Article 122 of the Constitution, "the Head of Government of the Federal District shall be responsible for executive power and public administration in the district and shall be represented by a single individual, elected by universal, free, direct, and secret suffrage."
The title is commonly rendered in English as "Mayor of Mexico City" or (less frequently) as "Governor of the Federal District" (as the position was known in the early post-Revolution
years), but in reality the position does not correspond exactly to either the mayor of a municipality (presidente municipal) or the governor of a state (gobernador) as they are understood in Mexican law.
For the greater part of the 20th century, the D.F. was administered directly by the President of the Republic
, who delegated his authority to an appointed Head of the Federal District Department, known more commonly (and tersely) as the Regente ("Regent" in English). This non-democratic imposition was a source of constant and often bitter resentment among the inhabitants of Mexico City. Under the reforms of the state introduced by presidents Carlos Salinas
and Ernesto Zedillo
, the Regent was replaced by the first directly elected Head of Government in 1997.
On July 6, 1997, with a 47.7% share of the vote in an eight-horse race, Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas
won the first direct Head of Government election (this first term was to last only three years, to bring the office into line with the presidential succession). Cárdenas, a former presidential candidate who was, according to many, cheated out of victory in the closely fought 1988 presidential election, later resigned to compete in the 2000 presidential campaign and left in his place Rosario Robles
, who served out the remainder of his term as the first woman to govern Mexico City.
The Head of Government elected for the 2000–2006 term was Andrés Manuel López Obrador
, elected with 39% of the popular vote in the same election that saw Vicente Fox
of the PAN
win the presidency. López Obrador was temporarily removed from office by the federal Congress
on April 7, 2005 and was replaced, on an interim basis for a period of slightly over two weeks, by his secretary of government, Alejandro Encinas. See desafuero of AMLO.
All the Heads of Government to date have come from the ranks of the left-of-centre Party of the Democratic Revolution
(PRD) (or from PRD-led coalitions of parties); all the Heads of the Federal District Department were members of the Institutional Revolutionary Party
(PRI).
The Head of Government serves a six-year term, running concurrently with that of the President of the Republic
President of Mexico
The President of the United Mexican States is the head of state and government of Mexico. Under the Constitution, the president is also the Supreme Commander of the Mexican armed forces...
.
The federal district
Federal district
Federal districts are a type of administrative division of a federation, under the direct control of a federal government. They exist in various countries and states all over the world.-United States:...
, or D.F., is the seat of national executive, legislative
Legislature
A legislature is a kind of deliberative assembly with the power to pass, amend, and repeal laws. The law created by a legislature is called legislation or statutory law. In addition to enacting laws, legislatures usually have exclusive authority to raise or lower taxes and adopt the budget and...
, and judicial power, and is largely contiguous with the core of the sprawling Mexico City conurbation.
According to Article 122 of the Constitution, "the Head of Government of the Federal District shall be responsible for executive power and public administration in the district and shall be represented by a single individual, elected by universal, free, direct, and secret suffrage."
The title is commonly rendered in English as "Mayor of Mexico City" or (less frequently) as "Governor of the Federal District" (as the position was known in the early post-Revolution
Mexican Revolution
The Mexican Revolution was a major armed struggle that started in 1910, with an uprising led by Francisco I. Madero against longtime autocrat Porfirio Díaz. The Revolution was characterized by several socialist, liberal, anarchist, populist, and agrarianist movements. Over time the Revolution...
years), but in reality the position does not correspond exactly to either the mayor of a municipality (presidente municipal) or the governor of a state (gobernador) as they are understood in Mexican law.
For the greater part of the 20th century, the D.F. was administered directly by the President of the Republic
President of Mexico
The President of the United Mexican States is the head of state and government of Mexico. Under the Constitution, the president is also the Supreme Commander of the Mexican armed forces...
, who delegated his authority to an appointed Head of the Federal District Department, known more commonly (and tersely) as the Regente ("Regent" in English). This non-democratic imposition was a source of constant and often bitter resentment among the inhabitants of Mexico City. Under the reforms of the state introduced by presidents Carlos Salinas
Carlos Salinas
Carlos Salinas de Gortari is a Mexican economist and politician affiliated to the Institutional Revolutionary Party who served as President of Mexico from 1988 to 1994. Earlier in his career he worked in the Budget Secretariat all the way up to Secretary...
and Ernesto Zedillo
Ernesto Zedillo
Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de León is a Mexican economist and politician. He served as President of Mexico from December 1, 1994 to November 30, 2000, as the last of the uninterrupted seventy year line of Mexican presidents from the Institutional Revolutionary Party...
, the Regent was replaced by the first directly elected Head of Government in 1997.
On July 6, 1997, with a 47.7% share of the vote in an eight-horse race, Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas
Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas
Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas Solórzano is a prominent Mexican politician. He was a former Head of Government of the Federal District and a founder of the Party of the Democratic Revolution .-Biography:...
won the first direct Head of Government election (this first term was to last only three years, to bring the office into line with the presidential succession). Cárdenas, a former presidential candidate who was, according to many, cheated out of victory in the closely fought 1988 presidential election, later resigned to compete in the 2000 presidential campaign and left in his place Rosario Robles
Rosario Robles
Rosario Robles Berlanga was a left-wing Mexican politician who was appointed substitute Head of Government of the Federal District when Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas resigned from the post to run for the presidency in 2000...
, who served out the remainder of his term as the first woman to govern Mexico City.
The Head of Government elected for the 2000–2006 term was Andrés Manuel López Obrador
Andrés Manuel López Obrador
Andrés Manuel López Obrador , also known as AMLO or El Peje, is a Mexican politician who held the position of Head of Government of the Federal District from 2000 to 2005, before resigning in July 2005 to contend the 2006 presidential election, representing the unsuccessful Coalition for the Good...
, elected with 39% of the popular vote in the same election that saw Vicente Fox
Vicente Fox
Vicente Fox Quesada is a Mexican former politician who served as President of Mexico from 1 December 2000 to 30 November 2006 and currently serves as co-President of the Centrist Democrat International, an international organization of Christian democratic political parties.Fox was elected...
of the PAN
National Action Party (Mexico)
The National Action Party , is one of the three main political parties in Mexico. The party's political platform is generally considered Centre-Right in the Mexican political spectrum. Since 2000, the President of Mexico has been a member of this party; both houses have PAN pluralities, but the...
win the presidency. López Obrador was temporarily removed from office by the federal Congress
Congress of Mexico
The Congress of the Union is the legislative branch of the Mexican government...
on April 7, 2005 and was replaced, on an interim basis for a period of slightly over two weeks, by his secretary of government, Alejandro Encinas. See desafuero of AMLO.
All the Heads of Government to date have come from the ranks of the left-of-centre Party of the Democratic Revolution
Party of the Democratic Revolution
The Party of the Democratic Revolution is a democratic socialist party in Mexico and one of 2 Mexican affiliates of the Socialist International...
(PRD) (or from PRD-led coalitions of parties); all the Heads of the Federal District Department were members of the Institutional Revolutionary Party
Institutional Revolutionary Party
The Institutional Revolutionary Party is a Mexican political party that held power in the country—under a succession of names—for more than 70 years. The PRI is a member of the Socialist International, as is the rival Party of the Democratic Revolution , making Mexico one of the few...
(PRI).
Governors of the Federal District (before the formal declaration)
- Melchor MúzquizMelchor MúzquizMelchor de Eca y Múzquiz was a Mexican soldier and politician. From August to December 1832 he was president of Mexico....
January 9, 1824 - Manuel Gómez PedrazaManuel Gómez PedrazaManuel Gómez Pedraza was a Mexican general and president of the country from 1832 to 1833....
March 3, 1824
Governors of the Federal District
- Gen. Jose Maria Mendivil November 25, 1825
- Juan Manuel de Elizalde August 26, 1826
- Francisco Molinos del Campo: September 2, 1826
- Juan Manuel de Elizalde: October 2, 1826 (2nd time)
- José Ignacio Esteva January 1, 1828
- José María TornelJosé María TornelJosé María de Tornel y Mendívil was a 19th century Mexican army general and politician who greatly influenced the career of President Antonio López de Santa Anna.- Birth :...
February 23, 1828 - José Ignacio Esteva December 3, 1828 (2nd time)
- Augustine of F. Lebrija January 30, 1830
- Miguel Cervantes February 20, 1830
- Francisco Fagoaga February 18, 1831
- Ignacio Martinez (Mexico): October 14, 1832
- José Joaquín de Herrera January 9, 1833
- Ignacio Martinez: October 14, 1832
- José Ignacio Esteva April 17, 1833 (2nd time)
- José María TornelJosé María TornelJosé María de Tornel y Mendívil was a 19th century Mexican army general and politician who greatly influenced the career of President Antonio López de Santa Anna.- Birth :...
November 24, 1833 (2nd time) - Ramon Rayon January 12, 1835
- José Gómez de la Cortina: October 13, 1835
- Manuel Fernández Madrid: October 15, 1836
- Francisco García Conde: October 26, 1836
- Luis G. Vieyra: March 9, 1837
Governors Mexico Department (Epoch Centralist)
- Agustín Vicente Eguia December 30, 1877
- José María Icaza: September 20, 1838
- José Fernando de Peredo December 30, 1838
- Luis G. Vieyra January 8, 1839 (2nd Attempt)
- Miguel González Calderón January 11, 1840
- Luis G. Vieyra April 30, 1840 (3rd Attempt)
- José María Barrera March 16, 1841
- Luis G. Vieyra July 31, 1841 (4th Occasion)
- Francis O. Zarate: September 19, 1841
- Luis G. Vieyra: October 9, 1841 (5th Occasion)
- Valentín CanalizoValentín CanalizoValentín Canalizo was a Mexican general and conservative politician. He was a supporter of a centralist national government and an obedient follower and confidante of General Antonio López de Santa Anna...
March 10, 1843 - Manuel Rincon: October 3, 1843
- Ignacio Inclan December 3, 1843
Governors of the Federal District (Reinstatement)
- Jose Guadalupe Covarrubias December 7, 1846
- Vicente Romero (Mexico): January 4, 1847
- Juan José Baz January 13, 1847
- Jose Ramon Malo February 17, 1847
City Council of Mexico (U.S. Invasion)
- Manuel Reyes Veramendi: September 8, 1847
- Francisco Juarez Iriarte January 18, 1847
- John M. Flores y Teran March 6, 1848
- Jose Ramon Malo: November 5, 1848 (2nd time)
Head of the Federal District (Invasor American)
- Winfield ScottWinfield ScottWinfield Scott was a United States Army general, and unsuccessful presidential candidate of the Whig Party in 1852....
: September 14, 1847 - William O. Butler February 18, 1848
- Stephen W. KearnyStephen W. KearnyStephen Watts Kearny surname also appears as Kearney in some historic sources; August 30, 1794 October 31, 1848), was one of the foremost antebellum frontier officers of the United States Army. He is remembered for his significant contributions in the Mexican-American War, especially the conquest...
March 16, 1848
Governors of the Federal District (Reinstatement)
- Pedro Torrin: May 14, 1849
- Pedro Maria Anaya July 10, 1849
- Miguel Azcarate: January 2, 1850
- Antonio Diaz Bonilla: October 21, 1854
- Juan José Baz: January 5, 1856 (2nd time)
Governors of the Federal District (Constitution of 1857)
- Augustine Alcerreca: October 4, 1857 (2nd time)
Governors of the Department of Mexico (War of the Reform )
Conservatives- Rómulo Díaz de la VegaRómulo Díaz de la VegaRómulo Díaz de la Vega was interim president of Mexico in 1855. He studied military science and rose to the rank of general.He was captured at the Battle of Resaca de la Palma....
December 20, 1859 - Francis G. Casanova February 29, 1860
Governors of the Federal District (Constitution of 1857)
- Justin Fernandez January 6, 1861
- Juan José Baz June 25, 1861 (2nd time)
- Anastasio Parrodi January 8, 1862
- Ángel Frías April 27, 1862
- José María González de Mendoza: May 24, 1862
- Joseph S. Aramberri: September 20, 1862
- Manuel Terreros November 11, 1862
- ArriagaArriagaArriaga is a Basque surname that may apply to:*Guillermo Arriaga, Mexican author, screenwriter and producer*Fr. Joaquín Sáenz y Arriaga, S.J., Mexican theologian, sedevacantist*Juan Crisóstomo Arriaga 1806-1826, Basque-Spanish composer...
January 23, 1863 - José María González de Mendoza March 1, 1863 (2nd time)
- Gen. John J. of the heron, John H. Mateos, Joaquin Mayor and Manuel RamosManuel RamosManuel Ramos, an attorney who also has taught Chicano literature courses at Metropolitan State College of Denver, is the author of several crime fiction novels...
, May 1863, City of Mexico City. - Miguel Maria Azcarate June 12, 1863
- Manuel Garcia Aguirre: June 30, 1863
Governors of the Department of Mexico ( 2nd Empire )
- José del Villar Bocanegra: November 4, 1863
- Manuel Campero: April 9, 1866
- Mariano Icaza: September 20, 1866
- Thomas O'Hora: September 30, 1867
Governors of the Federal District (Constitution of 1857, Restored Republic)
- Porfirio DíazPorfirio DíazJosé de la Cruz Porfirio Díaz Mori was a Mexican-American War volunteer and French intervention hero, an accomplished general and the President of Mexico continuously from 1876 to 1911, with the exception of a brief term in 1876 when he left Juan N...
June 15, 1867 (Military Governor) - Juan José Baz August 14, 1867 (2nd time)
- Francis H. Velez: September 7, 1869
- Francisco Paz January 27, 1871
- Gabino Bustamante March 17, 1871
- Alfredo Chavero June 15, 1871
- José María Castro: September 19, 1871
- Tiburcio Montiel: October 21, 1871
- Joaquin A. Pérez: September 29, 1873
- Protasio G. Tagle November 22, 1876
- Agustin del Rio: November 30, 1876
- Juan Crisostomo Bonilla: February 7, 1877
- Gen. Luis C. Curiel February 16, 1877
- Carlos Pacheco Villalobos December 2, 1880
- Ramon Fernandez: June 25, 1881
- Carlos Rivas: May 5, 1884
- General Jose Ceballos: December 3, 1884
- Manuel Dominguez: April 19, 1893
- Manuel Terreros November 11, 1862
- Pedro Rincón Gallardo July 17, 1893
- Nicolas Island and Bustamante: August 3, 1896
- Rafael Rebollar: August 8, 1896
- Guillermo de Landa y Escandon: October 8, 1900
- Ramón CorralRamón CorralRamón Corral was the Vice President of Mexico under Porfirio Díaz from 1904 until their deposition in 1911.-Early Years:...
: December 8, 1900 - Guillermo de Landa y Escandon: January 3, 1903 (2nd time)
- Gen. Samuel Garcia Cuellar: May 3, 1911
Governors of the Federal District (Constitution of 1857, Madero Revolution)
- Alberto Garcia Granados: May 30, 1911
- Ignacio Rivero: August 3, 1913
- Federico Gonzalez Garza August 21, 1912
Governors of the Federal District (Constitution of 1857, Government of Victoriano Huerta )
- Gen. Cepeda and Gen. Alberto Yarza: February 3, 1913 (Grales. responsible for the city after the Ten DaysTen Days"Ten Days" is a pop song by Australian singer-songwriter Missy Higgins, and the second single from her debut album The Sound of White. The single was released in Australia on 15 November 2004 and peaked at No. 12 on the ARIA singles chart. It was written by Higgins and Jay Clifford of Jump,...
. - Gen. Samuel Garcia Cuellar February 24, 1913 (2nd time)
- Ramón Corona February 28, 1914
- Mr. Gen. Eduardo Iturbide: March 28, 1914.
Governors of the Federal District (Constitution of 1857 Constitutionalist Revolution)
- Alfredo Robles Dominguez August 18, 1914
- Gen. Heriberto JaraHeriberto JaraHeriberto Jara may refer to:*General Heriberto Jara International Airport located at Veracruz, Mexico*Heriberto Jara Corona, Mexican politician....
: September 19, 1914 - Juan Gutierrez R. November 22, 1914
Governors of the Federal District (Constitution of 1857, the Government Conventional )
- Vicente Navarro: November 26, 1914 (ShoesLiberation Army of the SouthThe Liberation Army of the South was an armed group formed and led by Emiliano Zapata that took part in the Mexican Revolution. The force was commonly known as the Zapatistas....
) - Manuel Chao: December 4, 1914 (ShoesLiberation Army of the SouthThe Liberation Army of the South was an armed group formed and led by Emiliano Zapata that took part in the Mexican Revolution. The force was commonly known as the Zapatistas....
) - Vito Alessio Robles January 1, 1915
- Mayor of Mexico City: January 27, 1915, is responsible for the departure of the conventionalistConvention of AguascalientesThe Convention of Aguascalientes was a major meeting that took place during the Mexican Revolution.The call for the Convention was issued on 1 October 1914 by Venustiano Carranza, head of the Constitutional Army, who described it as the Gran Convención de Jefes militares con mando de fuerzas y...
, who retire to be near the city to the forces of Álvaro ObregónÁlvaro ObregónGeneral Álvaro Obregón Salido was the President of Mexico from 1920 to 1924. He was assassinated in 1928, shortly after winning election to another presidential term....
. - Magana Cerda March 15, 1915
Governor of Valle de Mexico (Const. 1857, Constitutional Government)
- Gen. Cesar Lopez de Lara: August 3, 1915 (By the decrees of 3/12/1914 based on the Plan of GuadalupePlan of GuadalupeThe Plan of Guadalupe was a document drafted on March 23, 1913 by Venustiano Carranza in response to the overthrow and execution of Francisco I. Madero, then President of Mexico...
, federal capital city of Veracruz and January 5, 1917 decree establishing the capital in the city of Queretaro. The changes of residence were never ratified by Congress)
Governors of the Federal District ( Constitution of 1817 )
- Col. Gonzalo G. de la Mata: April 3, 1917 (Interim)
- Gen. Cesar Lopez de Lara: June 3, 1917 (2nd time)
Governors of the Federal District (Carrancistas)
- Alfredo Breceda January 22, 1918
- Arnulfo González August 28, 1918
- Alfredo Breceda January 21, 1919 (2nd time)
- Benito Flores February 26, 1919
- Manuel Rueda Magro: May 31, 1919
- Mayor of Mexico City: May 7, 1920 (Move Carranza in Veracruz on the Federal Government, I fail to install)
Governors of the Federal District (Obregon)
- Manuel Gómez Noriega: May 8, 1920
- Gen. Celestino Gasca July 7, 1920
- Ramon Ross: October 25, 1923
- Abel S. Rodriguez: December 15, 1923 (Interim)
- Ramon Ross: February 11, 1924 (2nd time)
- Gen. Francisco R. Serrano June 21, 1926
- Primo Villa Michel June 1927 until December 31, 1928.
Heads of the Federal District Department (Regents)
- (1929–1930): José Manuel Puig Casauranc
- (1930): Crisóforo Ibáñez
- (1930–1931): Lamberto Hernandez
- (1931): Enrique Romero Courtade
- (1931–1932): Lorenzo Hernandez
- (1932): Vicente Estrada Cajigal
- (1932): Manuel PadillaManuel PadillaManuel Padilla Pontvianne is a Mexican linebacker in American football. He is an international practice squad player for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was assigned to the Broncos in 2008...
- (1932) John G. Cabral
- (1932–1935): Aaron Saenz
- (1935–1938): Cosme Hinojosa
- (1938–1940): José Siurob Ramírez
Heads of the Federal District Department (Regents)
- (1946–1952): Fernando Casas German
- (1952–1966): Ernesto P. Uruchurtu
- (1966–1970): Alfonso Corona del Rosal
- (1970–1971): Alfonso Martinez DominguezAlfonso Martínez DomínguezAlfonso Martínez Domínguez was a controversial Mexican politician affiliated to the Revolutionary Institutional Party...
- (1971–1976): Octavio Gomez Senties
- (1976–1982): Carlos Hank GonzalezCarlos Hank GonzálezCarlos Hank González , nicknamed El Profesor , was a Mexican politician and influential businessman. Originally a teacher, he was an entrepreneur who built political contacts along with a business empire, leading to various government and political positions at the state and national level...
- (1982–1988): Ramón Aguirre Velázquez
- (1988–1993): Manuel Camacho SolísManuel Camacho SolísManuel Camacho Solís is a Mexican politician who served in the cabinets of presidents Miguel de la Madrid and Carlos Salinas...
- (1993–1994): Manuel Aguilera Gomez
- (1994–1997): Oscar Espinosa Villarreal
Heads of Government of the Federal District
- Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas SolórzanoCuauhtémoc CárdenasCuauhtémoc Cárdenas Solórzano is a prominent Mexican politician. He was a former Head of Government of the Federal District and a founder of the Party of the Democratic Revolution .-Biography:...
1997–1999, PRDParty of the Democratic RevolutionThe Party of the Democratic Revolution is a democratic socialist party in Mexico and one of 2 Mexican affiliates of the Socialist International...
; resigned to pursue the presidency. - Rosario Robles BerlangaRosario RoblesRosario Robles Berlanga was a left-wing Mexican politician who was appointed substitute Head of Government of the Federal District when Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas resigned from the post to run for the presidency in 2000...
, 1999–2000 (interim), PRDParty of the Democratic RevolutionThe Party of the Democratic Revolution is a democratic socialist party in Mexico and one of 2 Mexican affiliates of the Socialist International...
. - Andrés Manuel López ObradorAndrés Manuel López ObradorAndrés Manuel López Obrador , also known as AMLO or El Peje, is a Mexican politician who held the position of Head of Government of the Federal District from 2000 to 2005, before resigning in July 2005 to contend the 2006 presidential election, representing the unsuccessful Coalition for the Good...
, 2000 to April 7, 2005, PRDParty of the Democratic RevolutionThe Party of the Democratic Revolution is a democratic socialist party in Mexico and one of 2 Mexican affiliates of the Socialist International...
; removed from office after his executive immunity was lifted by Congress. - Alejandro Encinas RodríguezAlejandro Encinas RodríguezAlejandro Encinas Rodríguez is a left-wing Mexican politician affiliated with the Party of the Democratic Revolution. He served as the 4th Head of Government of the Federal District from 2005 to 2006....
April 8, 2005 to April 25, 2005 (interim). - Andrés Manuel López ObradorAndrés Manuel López ObradorAndrés Manuel López Obrador , also known as AMLO or El Peje, is a Mexican politician who held the position of Head of Government of the Federal District from 2000 to 2005, before resigning in July 2005 to contend the 2006 presidential election, representing the unsuccessful Coalition for the Good...
, from April 25 to July 29, 2005; reinstated; subsequently resigned to pursue the presidency. - Alejandro Encinas RodríguezAlejandro Encinas RodríguezAlejandro Encinas Rodríguez is a left-wing Mexican politician affiliated with the Party of the Democratic Revolution. He served as the 4th Head of Government of the Federal District from 2005 to 2006....
, July 30, 2005 to December 4, 2006 (interim). - Marcelo Ebrard CasaubonMarcelo EbrardMarcelo Luis Ebrard Casaubón is the current Head of Government of the Federal District since December 5, 2006. He is a Mexican politician affiliated to the Party of the Democratic Revolution who served as Secretary-General of the former Mexican Federal District Department, minister of public...
, December 5, 2006 to present.