Claudia Sheinbaum Elected Mexico's First Woman President

Supporters of presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum dance and sing in celebration of her victory in Mexico City's emblematic Zocalo square. 

Claudia Sheinbaum was elected Mexico's first woman president, according to exit polls, a milestone in a country plagued by rampant criminal and gender-based violence.

The 61-year-old former Mexico City mayor, representing the ruling party, won around 58% of votes, comfortably ahead of main rival Xochitl Galvez's 29%, and longshot centrist Jorge Alvarez Maynez with 11%, pollster Enkoll estimated. Initial official results were expected.

Voters flocked to polls despite sporadic cartel violence that led to thousands of troop deployments to protect them after over two dozen aspiring politicians were murdered during the bloody electoral process.

Sheinbaum hailed the "historic" day but revealed voting for a 93-year-old leftist veteran, declaring "Long live democracy!" Many women cheered, potentially breaking Mexico's highest glass ceiling in a nation where around 10 are murdered daily.

"A female president will transform this country, and we hope she does more for women," said one voter, citing issues like femicide and women's subjugation. Another said it would be "historic" though neither top candidate was "totally feminist."

Sheinbaum owes popularity to outgoing president and mentor Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, whose party provided key support, one voter said. But she faces inheriting violent cartel conflicts her rival Galvez vowed tougher action against, declaring "Hugs for criminals are over."

The next president must also manage complex U.S. ties over drug and migration issues. Mexicans also voted for Congress, state governors and 20,000 local positions in elections marred by the political violence.