Mexico Bans Dual Citizens From Presidency Under New Reform

Mexico has enacted a reform barring dual citizens from the presidency and key state offices from 2028.

Mexico Enacts New Rule Barring Dual Citizens From Presidency and Key State Offices

By News National Editorial Team

Mexico has enacted a constitutional reform that will prevent people holding dual citizenship from running for president, state governor or Mexico City mayor.

The reform, championed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, was formally enacted on October 7, 2026. It will apply from 2028 and requires prospective candidates for the specified offices to renounce any non-Mexican nationality before seeking office.

The government says the measure is designed to protect Mexico's sovereignty and prevent potential foreign influence in the country's highest political offices.

Reform takes effect in 2028

The new constitutional provision will not affect Mexico's 2027 midterm elections.

Its principal impact will come with elections beginning in 2028 and, particularly, the 2030 presidential election cycle.

Under the reform, candidates for the presidency, state governorships and Mexico City's mayoralty will have to meet the new nationality requirement.

The measure does not eliminate dual citizenship for ordinary Mexican citizens. Instead, it establishes additional eligibility requirements for people seeking some of the country's highest elected offices.

Government argues sovereignty is at stake

President Sheinbaum has defended the constitutional change as a safeguard against foreign interference.

Her administration argues that individuals occupying the country's most powerful political positions should have an exclusive national allegiance.

The reform comes at a time when Mexico is dealing with complicated relations with the United States, including disputes involving migration, trade and cross-border security.

The government therefore sees the measure as part of a broader emphasis on national sovereignty.

Opposition raises concerns

Opposition parties and representatives of Mexican citizens living abroad have criticized the reform.

Critics argue that possessing another nationality does not necessarily mean that a Mexican citizen has divided loyalty. They also say the change could restrict political participation by Mexicans who have lived abroad and acquired another citizenship.

The opposition PAN party has also questioned the consistency of the reform because Mexican legislators can still hold dual nationality under existing rules.

The American Society of Mexico has similarly criticized the measure, arguing that nationality alone should not determine a person's loyalty to Mexico.

Political implications

The timing of the reform is likely to keep the issue politically significant ahead of the 2030 presidential election.

Because the new rule does not affect the 2027 midterms, its immediate electoral impact will be limited. However, potential presidential and gubernatorial candidates will need to examine their nationality status before the 2028 eligibility rules begin applying.

The reform also adds to a broader international debate over how countries should address foreign influence while protecting the political rights of citizens with international backgrounds.

What happens next

The practical consequences will depend on how Mexican authorities interpret and enforce the new constitutional requirements.

Candidates who possess another nationality will need to comply with the renunciation requirement before seeking the offices covered by the reform.

The debate is therefore likely to continue over whether the measure represents a legitimate national-security safeguard or an unnecessary restriction on political participation.

News National Verification

Confirmed: Mexico enacted the constitutional reform on October 7, 2026.

Effective: The new restriction will apply from 2028.

Covered offices: Presidency, state governorships and Mexico City mayoralty.

Important clarification: The reform does not prohibit ordinary Mexican citizens from holding dual citizenship.

Sources: Reuters; Mexican government statements; Mexican political reporting.

Mexico dual citizenship law, Mexico politics 2026, Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico presidency, Mexican constitutional reform