Meet Silvia Delgado: The Controversial Candidate for Mexico’s Judicial Reform Who Once Defended El Chapo

Silvia Delgado is making waves in Ciudad Juárez. As she hands out flyers near the Bridge of the Americas, she cheerfully tells drivers, “Vote for number 12 on the ballot!” This election is unique: it’s the first time Mexicans get to vote for the entire judiciary directly.

Delgado isn’t your average candidate. She was the lawyer for the infamous drug lord, Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. Although she carefully skips mentioning his name on her flyers, it looms large over her campaign.

Critics argue that her past as El Chapo’s defender should disqualify her from serving as a judge. Yet, Delgado defends her record. “Why should I be disqualified for doing my job?” she insists, emphasizing her duty to provide a fair defense for everyone.

She’s not facing any criminal charges, nor is she under investigation. However, an organization called Defensorxs has labeled her a “high risk candidate.” This group points out that having a former cartel lawyer in a judicial position could undermine the integrity of Mexico’s justice system. Miguel Alfonso Meza, the director of Defensorxs, warns that candidates with ties to criminal organizations can face pressure to act in the cartel’s favor.

Delgado dismisses Meza’s claims as “completely stupid.” She invites scrutiny of her past, arguing, “I was paid like any regular lawyer; this doesn’t mean I’m corrupt.”

She’s competing for one of over 7,500 judicial positions, spanning from local magistrates to judges on the Supreme Court. This overhaul is part of a broader reform advocating for elected judges rather than appointments. The reforms have stirred debate, with some seeing them as a way to democratize justice in Mexico, while others worry about politicizing the judiciary.

Miguel Alfonso Meza voices concern about potential conflicts: “Judges might feel compelled to make deals with political actors to gain support.” Critics fear this could lead to corruption and compromise the judiciary’s independence.

On the other side, some candidates, like Olivia Aguirre Bonilla, welcome the chance for change. With a strong background in human rights law, she aims to reform a broken and corrupt judicial system. Aguirre Bonilla states, “For the first time, the justice system will be voted on—not controlled by elites.”

This initiative has prompted lively discussions online. Supporters argue that many democracies, like the U.S. and Switzerland, elect their judges, citing the need for accountability. As identical judicial reforms promote both anxiety and optimism, the stakes are high for this election.

As Mexico prepares for the polls, citizens are eager to see how this unprecedented move will shape the future of justice in their country. For Delgado, the hope is that voters will respect her experience enough to let her judge fairly.

The outcome of this election could be pivotal for the future of Mexico’s judiciary, with both supporters and critics watching closely.



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