Mexico enacts constitutional reform barring dual citizens from presidential and gubernatorial races

Scope of the executive nationality decree

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum signed a constitutional reform decree on 7 October 2026 requiring sole Mexican citizenship for the presidency, state governorships, and the position of Mexico City mayor. The measure obliges any aspiring candidate holding dual nationality to complete a formal renunciation before registering for public office. Under the enacted provisions, individuals serving in these executive roles are strictly barred from obtaining another nationality, holding a foreign passport, or seeking foreign diplomatic protection during their tenure. The decree was sent for publication in the official gazette later the same day following the morning signing ceremony. Similar legal restrictions barring presidents from possessing foreign nationalities are currently maintained by Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

Legislative passage and implementation schedule

The reform package originated in late August 2026 when Sheinbaum submitted the constitutional proposal to the federal legislature. Both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies passed the measure with the qualified two-thirds majority required for constitutional amendments, backed by the governing Morena party and its legislative allies. Ratification concluded after 22 state parliaments formally approved the text across the country. The requirements take effect starting with the 2028 general elections rather than the upcoming midterm vote. Consequently, federal legislative races and several state gubernatorial contests scheduled for 2027 will proceed under previous citizenship rules.

Renunciation procedures and legal regulations

During the morning press conference in Mexico City, Sheinbaum and presidential legal counsel Luisa María Alcalde presented the operational framework for prospective candidates. Alcalde signed the document alongside the president and stated that upcoming secondary regulations will outline the administrative steps required before foreign governments and domestic authorities. Aspiring candidates must deliver formal proof of renunciation before their official candidacy filings are submitted.

If having dual nationality, the candidate will necessarily have to renounce it prior to registration with the National Electoral Institute, so that they only hold Mexican nationality.

Sheinbaum explained that the restriction exists to ensure national interests take precedence over external allegiances and to insulate domestic politics from foreign interference.

Starting in 2028, whoever wants to run for the office of governor, head of government, president of the Republic, can only be Mexican.

Opposition pushback and diaspora reactions

Political opponents from the National Action Party, known as PAN, contested the decree and argued that the ruling coalition designed the amendment to disqualify rival candidates. PAN representatives pointed to discrepancies within federal law, noting that members of the Senate and Chamber of Deputies remain legally permitted to retain dual nationality. Critics and diaspora advocates maintained that the policy restricts the political rights of millions of Mexicans who emigrated abroad or were born overseas, particularly in the United States. Larry Rubin, president of the American Society of Mexico, rejected the premise of the reform on social media.

Loyalty to Mexico is not measured by how many passports a person has, but by their actions, their track record, and their respect for the Constitution.

Critics also pointed out that the existing constitution already established general nationality qualifications without requiring candidates to formally sever ties with other states.