Mexico Elects First Indigenous Chief Justice to Supreme Court

Hugo Aguilar Ortiz, a lawyer of Mixtec heritage from Oaxaca, achieved a historic milestone by being elected as Mexico’s first Indigenous Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. In the June 1, 2025, judicial elections—part of Mexico’s new system allowing direct vote for high-court judges—he secured the highest vote among 64 contenders. Aguilar Ortiz, who has long advocated for Indigenous rights and served in various constitutional and UN advisory roles, is set to succeed Norma Piña Hernández as head of the Court.