Mexico is on the cusp of electing their first-ever female president, and U.S. President Joe Biden was among the first to congratulate her on Monday. 

In a statement, Biden expressed how much he looked forward to collaborating with Claudia Sheinbaum, a 61-year-old climate scientist who previously served as the Head of Government of Mexico City from 2018 to 2023. 

“I look forward to working closely with President-elect Sheinbaum in the spirit of partnership and friendship that reflects the enduring bonds between our two countries,” Biden’s statement read. “I expressed our commitment to advancing the values and interests of both our nations to the benefit of our peoples.” 

Presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum, center, arrives at her closing campaign rally at the Zocalo in Mexico City, Wednesday, May 29, 2024. Mexico's general election is set for June 2. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
Presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum, center, arrives at her closing campaign rally at the Zocalo in Mexico City, Wednesday, May 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

Biden also congratulated the Mexican people for conducting a “nationwide successful democratic electoral process” involving races for more than 20,000 positions at local, state and federal levels. 

Sheinbaum, who will become Mexico’s 66th president when she is sworn in, will succeed current President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who has led Mexico since 2018.