Indigenous Lawyer on the Verge of Historic Supreme Court Victory in Mexico

**Indigenous Lawyer Hugo Aguilar Ortiz Leads in Supreme Court Race** Mexico City – In a historic election, Hugo Aguilar Ortiz, an indigenous lawyer from Oaxaca, is emerging as a frontrunner in the race for president of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN). This would mark only the second time in Mexican history that an indigenous person has held this position, the first being Benito Juarez in 1857. Aguilar Ortiz's candidacy has ignited significant interest and discussion. Aguilar Ortiz hails from Villa Guadalupe Victoria in the Mixteca region of Oaxaca. His career spans over three decades, marked by a deep commitment to indigenous rights. He has served as the Undersecretary of Indigenous Rights in Oaxaca and the General Coordinator of Indigenous Rights at the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples. His extensive experience in these roles has positioned him as a strong advocate for the inclusion of indigenous perspectives within the legal system. "My main proposal is to transform the administration of justice," Aguilar Ortiz stated in a recent interview, "to ensure it is closer to the people, considering their context and reality, leaving behind formalism and privileges." His platform resonates with many, particularly given the ongoing efforts to address systemic inequalities in Mexico. The election is closely watched, with other prominent candidates like Lenia Batres, Yasmin Esquivel, and Loretta Ortiz also vying for the position. The outcome will have significant implications for the future of the Mexican justice system and its commitment to inclusivity.