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List of heads of state of Mexico facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The Head of State of Mexico is the top leader of the country. According to the Constitution, this leader is the President of the United Mexican States. The president is in charge of making sure the country's laws are followed.

Over its long history, Mexico has been led in different ways. Sometimes it was a republic with a president, and other times it was an empire ruled by an Emperor of Mexico. This list shows all the different leaders Mexico has had.

Mexico's history in the 1800s and early 1900s was full of changes. Because of this, many presidents did not finish their full time in office. This list includes all types of leaders, even those who led during civil wars or were part of temporary group governments.


First Mexican Empire (1821–1823)

After Mexico won its independence from Spain, it was first ruled by a group of leaders called a "regency" before becoming an empire.

First Regency

A regency is a group of people who govern a country when there is no monarch. This was Mexico's first government after independence.

Members Term of office
Portrait Name Took office Left office Tenure
Juan O'Donoju.jpg Juan O'Donojú 28 September 1821 8 October 1821
(died)
10 days
Agustin de Iturbide.png Agustín de Iturbide 28 September 1821 11 April 1822 195 days
Manuel de la Bárcena.jpg Manuel de la Barcéna 28 September 1821 11 April 1822
José Isidro Yañez.jpg José Isidro Yañez 28 September 1821 11 April 1822
Manuel Velázquez de León.jpg Manuel Velázquez de León 28 September 1821 11 April 1822
Antonio Pérez Martínez y Robles.jpg Antonio Pérez Martínez 9 October 1821 11 April 1822 184 days

Second Regency

A new group of leaders took over for a short time before Agustín de Iturbide was named Emperor.

Members Term of office
Portrait Name Took office Left office Tenure
Agustin de Iturbide.png Agustín de Iturbide 11 April 1822 18 May 1822 37 days
José Isidro Yañez.jpg José Isidro Yañez 11 April 1822 18 May 1822
Coat of arms of Mexico (1821–1823).svg Miguel Valentín 11 April 1822 18 May 1822
Manuel de Heras Soto.jpg Manuel de Heras 11 April 1822 18 May 1822
Presidente Nicolas Bravo.PNG Nicolás Bravo 11 April 1822 18 May 1822

Emperor Agustín I

Agustín de Iturbide, a key general in the war for independence, became the first and only emperor of the First Mexican Empire.

Portrait Name
(Birth–Death)
Reign Royal house Coat of arms
Reign start Reign end Duration
Portrait of Agustín de Iturbide, Emperor of Mexico.jpg Agustín I
(1783–1824)
19 May 1822 19 March 1823 304 days Iturbide Coat of arms of Mexico (1821–1823).svg

Provisional Government (1823–1824)

After Emperor Agustín I left power, a temporary government was formed. Its job was to prepare Mexico to become a republic with a president. This group of leaders governed together.

Head of State Term of office
Portrait Name Took office Left office Tenure
Presidente Nicolas Bravo.PNG Nicolás Bravo 31 March 1823 10 October 1824 1 year, 193 days
Guadalupe Victoria Cruces y Campa.png Guadalupe Victoria 31 March 1823 10 October 1824
BW Pedro Celestino Negrete.jpg Pedro Celestino Negrete 31 March 1823 10 October 1824
Jose mariano michelena.jpg José Mariano Michelena 1 April 1823 10 October 1824 1 year, 192 days
Miguel dominguez.jpg Miguel Domínguez 1 April 1823 10 October 1824
Vicente Guerrero (1865).png Vicente Guerrero 1 April 1823 10 October 1824

First Federal Republic (1824–1835)

Mexico became a republic, and its leaders were now called presidents. This was a time of great political change, and many presidents served for only a short time.

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death)
Term of office Political party Vice President Notes
Took office Left office Tenure
1 Guadalupe Victoria - 02.jpg Guadalupe Victoria
(1786–1843)
10 October 1824 31 March 1829 4 years, 172 days Independent Nicolás Bravo (1824-1827) He was the first elected President of Mexico and the only one to complete his full term for nearly 30 years.
2 Vicente Ramón Guerrero Saldaña.png Vicente Guerrero
(1782–1831)
1 April 1829 17 December 1829 260 days Liberal Party Anastasio Bustamante Congress chose him to be president after the elected president stepped down.
3 Jose Maria Bocanegra.PNG José María Bocanegra
(1787–1862)
17 December 1829 23 December 1829 6 days Popular York Rite Party
(part of the Liberal Party)
Anastasio Bustamante He was a temporary president while President Guerrero was away fighting a rebellion.
Triunvirato 1830.png VélezQuintanarAlaman
(Triumvirate)
23 December 1829 31 December 1829 8 days Liberal Party
(Vélez)
Independent
(Quintanar and Alamán)
Anastasio Bustamante A group of three leaders (a triumvirate) who governed for a very short time.
4 Anastasio Bustamante Oleo (480x600).png Anastasio Bustamante
(1780–1853)
1 January 1830 13 August 1832 2 years, 225 days Conservative Party Himself As Vice President, he took over the presidency after President Guerrero was removed from power.
5 Melchor Muzquiz.png Melchor Múzquiz
(1788–1844)
14 August 1832 24 December 1832 132 days Popular York Rite Party
(part of the Liberal Party)
Anastasio Bustamante He was a temporary president while President Bustamante was away fighting a rebellion.
6 Manuel Gómez Pedraza.png Manuel Gómez Pedraza
(1789–1851)
24 December 1832 31 March 1833 97 days Federalist York Rite Party
(part of the Liberal Party)
Vacant He was the winner of the 1828 election and finally took office to finish the term.
7 Valentín Gómez Farías, portrait.JPG Valentín Gómez Farías
(1781–1858)
1 April 1833 16 May 1833 45 days Liberal Party Himself As Vice President, he took over when President Santa Anna was not in charge.
8 Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna 1850 (480x600).png Antonio López de Santa Anna
(1794–1876)
16 May 1833 3 June 1833 18 days Liberal Party Valentín Gómez Farías He was elected president. He and his Vice President, Gómez Farías, took turns leading the country several times.
(7) Valentín Gómez Farías, portrait.JPG Valentín Gómez Farías
(1781–1858)
3 June 1833 18 June 1833 15 days Liberal Party Himself
(8) Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna 1850 (480x600).png Antonio López de Santa Anna
(1794–1876)
18 June 1833 5 July 1833 17 days Liberal Party Valentín Gómez Farías
(7) Valentín Gómez Farías, portrait.JPG Valentín Gómez Farías
(1781–1858)
5 July 1833 27 October 1833 114 days Liberal Party Himself
(8) Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna 1850 (480x600).png Antonio López de Santa Anna
(1794–1876)
27 October 1833 15 December 1833 49 days Liberal Party Valentín Gómez Farías
(7) Valentín Gómez Farías, portrait.JPG Valentín Gómez Farías
(1781–1858)
16 December 1833 24 April 1834 129 days Liberal Party Himself He made changes that upset some groups. Santa Anna returned to power and Gómez Farías had to leave the country.
(8) Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna 1850 (480x600).png Antonio López de Santa Anna
(1794–1876)
24 April 1834 27 January 1835 278 days Conservative Party Valentín Gómez Farías He reversed the changes made by Gómez Farías.
9 Miguel Barragan Oleo (480x600).png Miguel Barragán
(1789–1836)
28 January 1835 27 February 1836 1 year, 30 days Conservative Party Vacant He became temporary president. During his time, the government changed from a federal republic to a centralist one.

Centralist Republic (1835–1846)

During this period, the government was changed so that power was held more by the central government in Mexico City, rather than shared with the states.

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death)
Term of office Political party Notes
Took office Left office Tenure
9 Miguel Barragan Oleo (480x600).png Miguel Barragán
(1789–1836)
28 January 1835 27 February 1836 1 year, 30 days Conservative Party He had to leave office because he was very sick and died a few days later.
10 Jose Justo Corro.PNG José Justo Corro
(1794–1864)
27 February 1836 19 April 1837 1 year, 51 days Conservative Party He was a temporary president. During his term, Spain officially recognized Mexico's independence.
(4) Anastasio Bustamante Oleo (480x600).png Anastasio Bustamante
(1780–1853)
19 April 1837 18 March 1839 1 year, 333 days Conservative Party He was elected president for an eight-year term.
(8) Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna 1850 (480x600).png Antonio López de Santa Anna
(1794–1876)
18 March 1839 10 July 1839 114 days Conservative Party He was appointed temporary president while Bustamante was away fighting rebellions.
11 Presidente Nicolas Bravo.PNG Nicolás Bravo
(1786–1854)
11 July 1839 19 July 1839 8 days Conservative Party He served as a substitute president for a very short time when Santa Anna left office.
(4) Anastasio Bustamante Oleo (480x600).png Anastasio Bustamante
(1780–1853)
19 July 1839 22 September 1841 2 years, 65 days Conservative Party He returned to his role as president.
12 Francisco Javier Echeverria.PNG Francisco Javier Echeverría
(1797–1852)
22 September 1841 10 October 1841 18 days Conservative Party He was a temporary president after Bustamante left to fight a rebellion led by Santa Anna.
(8) Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna 1850 (480x600).png Antonio López de Santa Anna
(1794–1876)
10 October 1841 26 October 1842 1 year, 16 days Liberal Party He was appointed temporary president by a board of representatives.
(11) Presidente Nicolas Bravo.PNG Nicolás Bravo
(1786–1854)
26 October 1842 4 March 1843 129 days Conservative Party He was appointed substitute president by Santa Anna.
(8) Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna 1850 (480x600).png Antonio López de Santa Anna
(1794–1876)
4 March 1843 4 October 1843 214 days Liberal Party He returned to the presidency.
13 Valentin Canalizo Oleo (480x600).png Valentín Canalizo
(1794–1850)
4 October 1843 4 June 1844 244 days Conservative Party He was appointed temporary president by Santa Anna.
(8) Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna 1850 (480x600).png Antonio López de Santa Anna
(1794–1876)
4 June 1844 12 September 1844 100 days Liberal Party He returned to the presidency after being elected by Congress.
14 Jose Joaquin de Herrera Oleo (480x600).png José Joaquín de Herrera
(1792–1854)
12 September 1844 21 September 1844 9 days Liberal Party He was appointed as a substitute president for a short time.
(13) Valentin Canalizo Oleo (480x600).png Valentín Canalizo
(1794–1850)
21 September 1844 6 December 1844 76 days Conservative Party He returned to his role as temporary president.
(14) Jose Joaquin de Herrera Oleo (480x600).png José Joaquín de Herrera
(1792–1854)
6 December 1844 30 December 1845 1 year, 24 days Liberal Party He became president after Canalizo was removed for trying to shut down Congress.
15 Mariano Paredes y Arrillaga (480x600).png Mariano Paredes
(1797–1849)
31 December 1845 28 July 1846 209 days Conservative Party He took power from President De Herrera.
Vice President
Nicolás Bravo
(11) Presidente Nicolas Bravo.PNG Nicolás Bravo
(1786–1854)
28 July 1846 4 August 1846 7 days Conservative Party He took office when Paredes left to fight in the Mexican–American War. He was removed by a rebellion.
16 Jose Mariano Salas Oleo (480x600).png José Mariano Salas
(1797–1867)
5 August 1846 23 December 1846 140 days Conservative Party He took power after a rebellion and brought back the federal system of government from 1824.

Second Federal Republic (1846–1863)

Mexico returned to a federal system, where states had more power. This period included the Mexican-American War and led up to another major conflict, the Reform War.

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death)
Term of office Political party Notes
Took office Left office Tenure
16 Jose Mariano Salas Oleo (480x600).png José Mariano Salas
(1797–1867)
5 August 1846 23 December 1846 140 days Conservative Party After restoring the federal system, he called for elections, which Santa Anna won.
(7) Valentín Gómez Farías, portrait.JPG Valentín Gómez Farías
(1781–1858)
23 December 1846 21 March 1847 88 days Liberal Party As vice president, he took office while Santa Anna was away fighting the Mexican–American War.
(8) Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna 1850 (480x600).png Antonio López de Santa Anna
(1794–1876)
21 March 1847 2 April 1847 12 days Liberal Party He returned to serve as president.
Vice President
Valentín Gómez Farías
17 Pedro M. Anaya.PNG Pedro María de Anaya
(1794–1854)
2 April 1847 20 May 1847 48 days Liberal Party He was appointed substitute president when Santa Anna left again to fight in the war.
(8) Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna 1850 (480x600).png Antonio López de Santa Anna
(1794–1876)
20 May 1847 15 September 1847 118 days Liberal Party He returned to the presidency again during the war.
18 Manuel de la Peña y Peña.PNG Manuel de la Peña y Peña
(1789–1850)
16 September 1847 13 November 1847 58 days Conservative Party As head of the Supreme Court, he became president after Santa Anna resigned.
(17) Pedro M. Anaya.PNG Pedro María de Anaya
(1794–1854)
13 November 1847 8 January 1848 56 days Liberal Party He was appointed temporary president to help make peace with the United States.
(18) Manuel de la Peña y Peña.PNG Manuel de la Peña y Peña
(1789–1850)
8 January 1848 3 June 1848 147 days Conservative Party He returned to office and signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the war with the U.S.
(14) Jose Joaquin de Herrera Oleo (480x600).png José Joaquín de Herrera
(1792–1854)
3 June 1848 15 January 1851 2 years, 226 days Liberal Party He was the second president to finish his term and peacefully passed power to the next elected president.
19 Mariano Arista Oleo (480x600).png Mariano Arista
(1802–1855)
15 January 1851 5 January 1853 1 year, 356 days Liberal Party He resigned when Congress would not give him special powers to stop a rebellion that wanted to bring Santa Anna back.
20 Juan Bautista Ceballos Oleo (480x600).png Juan Bautista Ceballos
(1811–1859)
6 January 1853 7 February 1853 32 days Liberal Party As head of the Supreme Court, he became temporary president after Arista resigned.
21 Manuel María Lombardini.PNG Manuel María Lombardini
(1802–1853)
8 February 1853 20 April 1853 71 days Conservative Party He was appointed temporary president after Ceballos resigned during a rebellion.
(8) Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna 1850 (480x600).png Antonio López de Santa Anna
(1794–1876)
20 April 1853 5 August 1855 2 years, 107 days Conservative Party He returned to power and ruled as a dictator, calling himself "His Serene Highness."
22 Martín Carrera.PNG Martín Carrera
(1806–1871)
5 August 1855 12 September 1855 38 days Conservative Party He was appointed temporary president after a successful revolution against Santa Anna.
23 Rómulo Díaz de la Vega.PNG Rómulo Díaz de la Vega
(1800–1877)
12 September 1855 3 October 1855 21 days Conservative Party He served as president after Carrera's resignation.
24 Juan Alvarez.PNG Juan Álvarez
(1790–1867)
4 October 1855 11 December 1855 68 days Liberal Party He was appointed temporary president by a council of state representatives after the revolution.
25 Ignacio Comonfort.PNG Ignacio Gregorio Comonfort de los Ríos
(1812–1863)
11 December 1855 17 December 1857 2 years, 6 days Liberal Party He was appointed temporary president by Juan Álvarez and later became the constitutional president.

Reform War (1858–1860)

This was a civil war between two main groups: the Liberals, who wanted to reduce the power of the church, and the Conservatives, who wanted to keep traditions. During this time, Mexico had two rival presidents.

President Recognized by the Liberals

The Liberals, led by Benito Juárez, fought to defend the new Constitution of 1857.

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death)
Term of office Political party Notes
Took office Left office Tenure
26 Benito Juarez Oleo (480x600).png Benito Juárez
(1806–1872)
18 December 1857 18 July 1872
(died)
14 years, 213 days Liberal Party As head of the Supreme Court, he became president when Comonfort turned against the Constitution. He led the Liberal government during the Reform War.

Presidents Recognized by the Conservatives

The Conservatives did not accept the new constitution and appointed their own presidents.

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death)
Term of office Political party Notes
Took office Left office Tenure
(25) Ignacio Comonfort.PNG Ignacio Gregorio Comonfort de los Ríos
(1812–1863)
17 December 1857 21 January 1858 35 days Liberal Party He was president but decided to go against the constitution he had supported. The Conservatives recognized him as president with full powers.
27 Félix María Zuloaga Oleo (480x600).png Félix María Zuloaga
(1813–1898)
11 January 1858 24 December 1858 347 days Conservative Party After Comonfort left, the Conservative Party appointed Zuloaga as their president.
28 Manuel Robles Pezuela Oleo (480x600).png Manuel Robles Pezuela
(1817–1862)
24 December 1858 21 January 1859 28 days Conservative Party He took over the conservative presidency with the support of a new plan.
(16) Jose Mariano Salas Oleo (480x600).png José Mariano Salas
(1797–1867)
21 January 1859 2 February 1859 12 days Conservative Party He was briefly returned to the presidency during a counter-rebellion.
29 Miguel Miramón Oleo (480x600).png Miguel Miramón
(1831–1867)
2 February 1859 13 August 1860 1 year, 193 days Conservative Party He took over the conservative presidency as a substitute president.
30 José Ignacio Pavón.PNG José Ignacio Pavón
(1791–1866)
13 August 1860 15 August 1860 2 days Conservative Party As head of the conservative government's Supreme Court, he was president for only two days.
(29) Miguel Miramón Oleo (480x600).png Miguel Miramón
(1831–1867)
15 August 1860 24 December 1860 131 days Conservative Party He returned as president but was defeated in a major battle, ending the war.

Second Mexican Empire (1863–1867)

After the Reform War, France invaded Mexico. The French, with the help of Mexican Conservatives, established a new empire.

Regency

Before the new emperor arrived, a regency governed in his name.

Members Term of office Political party
Portrait Name Took office Left office Tenure
Juan Nepomuceno Almonte LT.jpg Juan Nepomuceno Almonte 11 July 1863 10 April 1864 274 days Conservative Party
José Mariano Salas.jpg José Mariano Salas 11 July 1863 10 April 1864
Pelagio Antonio de Labastida y Dávalos.jpg Pelagio Antonio de Labastida 11 July 1863 17 November 1863 129 days
José Ignacio María Pavón.jpg José Ignacio Pavón 11 July 1863 2 January 1864 175 days
Juan Bautista de Ormaechea.jpg Juan Bautista Ormaechea 17 November 1863 10 April 1864 145 days

Emperor Maximilian I

Maximilian, an Austrian archduke, was invited to become the Emperor of Mexico. His rule was not accepted by many Mexicans, including President Benito Juárez, who continued to lead a government in resistance.

Portrait Name
(Birth–Death)
Reign Royal house Coat of arms
Reign start Reign ended Duration
Emperador Maximiliano I de Mexico.jpg Maximilian I
(1832–1867)
10 April 1864 19 June 1867 3 years, 70 days Habsburg-Lorraine Coat of Arms Second Mexican Empire.svg

Restored Republic (1867–1876)

After the defeat and execution of Emperor Maximilian, the republic was restored with Benito Juárez as president.

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death)
Elected Term of office Political party Notes
Took office Left office Tenure
(26) Benito Juarez Oleo (480x600).png Benito Juárez
(1806–1872)
18 December 1857 11 June 1861 14 years, 213 days Liberal Party Juárez led Mexico through the Reform War and the French invasion. He was re-elected several times and is one of Mexico's most famous presidents. He died in office.
1861 11 June 1861 30 November 1865
1 December 1865 30 November 1867
1867 1 December 1867 30 November 1871
1871 1 December 1871 18 July 1872
31 Sebastián Lerdo de Tejada, oleo sobre tela (cropped 2).png Sebastián Lerdo de Tejada
(1823–1889)
18 July 1872 30 November 1872 4 years, 155 days Liberal Party As head of the Supreme Court, he became president after Juárez died. He was later elected but was removed from power by a rebellion.
1872 1 December 1872 20 November 1876
32 José María Iglesias Oleo (480x600).png José María Iglesias
(1823–1891)
26 October 1876 28 November 1876 33 days Liberal Party As head of the Supreme Court, he declared himself president because he believed the election of Lerdo de Tejada was not fair.

Porfiriato (1876–1911)

This long period is named after Porfirio Díaz, who ruled Mexico for over 30 years. It was a time of stability and economic growth, but also of little political freedom.

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death)
Elected Term of office Political party Notes
Took office Left office Tenure
33 Porfirio Diaz en 1867.png Porfirio Díaz
(1830–1915)
28 November 1876 6 December 1876 8 days Liberal Party He became temporary president after Iglesias left the country.
34 Juan Nepomuceno Méndez Oleo (480x600).png Juan N. Méndez
(1824–1894)
6 December 1876 17 February 1877 73 days Liberal Party He was appointed substitute president by Díaz, who left to fight remaining opponents.
(33) Porfirio Diaz en 1867.png Porfirio Díaz
(1830–1915)
1877 17 February 1877 30 November 1880 3 years, 287 days Liberal Party He returned to the presidency and was officially named president by Congress.
35 President Manuel Gonzalez.jpg Manuel González Flores
(1833–1893)
1880 1 December 1880 30 November 1884 4 years Liberal Party He was a close ally of Díaz and served one term as president.
(33) Photo of Porfirio Díaz.jpg Porfirio Díaz
(1830–1915)
1884 1 December 1884 25 May 1911 26 years, 175 days National Porfirist Party
National Reelectionist Party
Díaz returned to power and was re-elected many times. He resigned in 1911 at the start of the Mexican Revolution.
1888
1892
1896
1900
1904 Vice President
Ramón Corral
(since 1904)
1910

Revolution (1911–1928)

The Mexican Revolution was a time of great conflict and change. Many leaders fought for control and to create a new government for Mexico.

Political parties

     Progressive Constitutionalist Party      Independent

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death)
Elected Term of office Political party Notes
Took office Left office Tenure
36 Francisco León (cropped).jpg Francisco León de la Barra
(1863–1939)
25 May 1911 5 November 1911 164 days Independent He became temporary president after Díaz resigned and organized new elections.
37 Francisco I Madero (cropped).jpg Francisco I. Madero
(1873–1913)
1911 6 November 1911 19 February 1913 1 year, 95 days Progressive Constitutionalist Party He won the 1911 election. He was removed from power during a conflict known as the Ten Tragic Days and was killed shortly after.
Vice President
José María Pino Suárez
38 Pedro Lascurain.jpg Pedro Lascuráin
(1856–1952)
19 February 1913 About 45 minutes Independent He was president for less than an hour, the shortest term in world history. He was appointed only to name Victoriano Huerta to a cabinet post, and then he resigned.
39 Victoriano Huerta.(cropped).jpg Victoriano Huerta
(1850–1916)
19 February 1913 15 July 1914 1 year, 146 days Independent He took power from Madero. He was defeated by revolutionary armies led by Venustiano Carranza.
40 Francisco Sebastián Carvajal (cropped).jpg Francisco S. Carvajal
(1870–1932)
15 July 1914 13 August 1914 29 days Independent He became temporary president after Huerta resigned.

Presidents Recognized by the Convention of Aguascalientes

The revolutionary leaders met at the Convention of Aguascalientes but could not agree. This led to a split, with some leaders like Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata supporting one government, while Venustiano Carranza led another.

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death)
Term of office Notes
Took office Left office Tenure
41 Eulalio Gutierrez sentado.png Eulalio Gutiérrez
(1881–1939)
6 November 1914 16 January 1915 71 days He was appointed temporary president by the Convention.
42 Roque González Garza.PNG Roque González Garza
(1885–1962)
16 January 1915 10 June 1915 145 days He was appointed temporary president after Gutiérrez left Mexico City.
43 Francisco Lagos Chazaro.png Francisco Lagos Cházaro
(1878–1932)
10 June 1915 10 October 1915 122 days He took over as temporary president when González Garza resigned.

Constitutionalist Victory and New Constitution

The armies led by Venustiano Carranza, known as the Constitutionalists, won the war. A new constitution was written in 1917, which is still the constitution of Mexico today.

Political parties

     Liberal Constitutionalist Party      Laborist Party

No. Portrait Name

(Birth–Death)

Elected Term of office Political party Notes
Took office Left office Tenure
44 Venustiano Carranza en la silla presidencial (cropped).jpg Venustiano Carranza
(1859–1920)
Head of the Executive Power
First Chief of the Constitutional Army
2 years, 260 days Liberal Constitutionalist Party He led the Constitutionalist army to victory and oversaw the writing of the 1917 Constitution. He was elected president but was killed during a rebellion.
13 August 1914 30 April 1917
1917 President of Mexico 3 years, 20 days
1 May 1917 21 May 1920
45 Adolfo de la Huerta.png Adolfo de la Huerta
(1881–1955)
1 June 1920 30 November 1920 182 days Liberal Constitutionalist Party He was one of the leaders of the rebellion against Carranza and was appointed temporary president by Congress.
46 Portrait of Alvaro Obregón 1.png Álvaro Obregón
(1880–1928)
1920 1 December 1920 30 November 1924 4 years Laborist Party A very successful general during the Revolution, he was elected president in 1920.
47 Plutarco Elías Calles recorte.png Plutarco Elías Calles
(1877–1945)
1924 1 December 1924 30 November 1928 4 years Laborist Party He was elected president in 1924. He later created a political party that would rule Mexico for many decades.

Maximato (1928–1934)

After President-elect Álvaro Obregón was killed, former president Plutarco Elías Calles became the most powerful leader in Mexico. Even though other men were officially president, Calles was the one making the big decisions. This period is named after his title, Jefe Máximo (Maximum Chief).

Political parties

     National Revolutionary Party

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death)
Elected Term of office Political party Notes
Took office Left office Tenure
48 Emilio Portes, portrait (cropped)(b).jpg Emilio Portes Gil
(1890–1978)
1 December 1928 4 February 1930 1 year, 65 days National Revolutionary Party He was appointed temporary president by Congress after President-elect Obregón was killed.
49 Pascual Rubio, portrait.jpg Pascual Ortiz Rubio
(1877–1963)
1929 5 February 1930 4 September 1932 2 years, 212 days National Revolutionary Party He was elected president but resigned because of the powerful influence of Calles.
50 RodriguezAbelardo (cropped).png Abelardo L. Rodríguez
(1889–1967)
4 September 1932 30 November 1934 2 years, 87 days National Revolutionary Party He was appointed by Congress to finish the presidential term.

Modern Mexico (1934–present)

Starting in 1934, the presidential term was changed to six years, called a sexenio. Presidents are not allowed to be re-elected. Since then, every president has completed their six-year term.

Political parties

     Institutional Revolutionary Party      National Action Party      National Regeneration Movement

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death)
Elected Term of office Political party
Took office Left office Tenure
51 Lázaro Cárdenas, Retrato.png Lázaro Cárdenas del Río
(1895–1970)
1934 1 December 1934 30 November 1940 6 years National Revolutionary Party
52 Manuel Ávila Camacho, Retrato.png Manuel Ávila Camacho
(1897–1955)
1940 1 December 1940 30 November 1946 6 years Party of the Mexican Revolution
53 Retrato de Miguel Alemán Valdés.png Miguel Alemán Valdés
(1900–1983)
1946 1 December 1946 30 November 1952 6 years Institutional Revolutionary Party
54 Adolfo Ruiz Cortines, Retrato.png Adolfo Ruiz Cortines
(1889–1973)
1952 1 December 1952 30 November 1958 6 years Institutional Revolutionary Party
55 Retrato de Adolfo López Mateos.png Adolfo López Mateos
(1909–1969)
1958 1 December 1958 30 November 1964 6 years Institutional Revolutionary Party
56 Gustavo Ordaz 1911.jpg Gustavo Díaz Ordaz
(1911–1979)
1964 1 December 1964 30 November 1970 6 years Institutional Revolutionary Party
57 Luis Echeverría Álvarez official portrait.jpg Luis Echeverría Álvarez
(1922–2022)
1970 1 December 1970 30 November 1976 6 years Institutional Revolutionary Party
58 Lopez Portillo (cropped).jpg José López Portillo
(1920–2004)
1976 1 December 1976 30 November 1982 6 years Institutional Revolutionary Party
59 Miguel de la Madrid official portrait (cropped).jpg Miguel de la Madrid Hurtado
(1934–2012)
1982 1 December 1982 30 November 1988 6 years Institutional Revolutionary Party
60 Carlos Salinas de Gortari official portrait.jpg Carlos Salinas de Gortari
(born 1948)
1988 1 December 1988 30 November 1994 6 years Institutional Revolutionary Party
61 Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de Leon Official Photo 1999.jpg Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de León
(born 1951)
1994 1 December 1994 30 November 2000 6 years Institutional Revolutionary Party
62 Vicente Fox Official Photo 2000 (Cropped) (b).jpg Vicente Fox Quesada
(born 1942)
2000 1 December 2000 30 November 2006 6 years National Action Party
63 Presidente Felipe Calderon (cropped) (b).jpg Felipe Calderón Hinojosa
(born 1962)
2006 1 December 2006 30 November 2012 6 years National Action Party
64 Enrique Pena Nieto.jpg Enrique Peña Nieto
(born 1966)
2012 1 December 2012 30 November 2018 6 years Institutional Revolutionary Party
65 Andrés Manuel López Obrador junio 2024.jpg Andrés Manuel López Obrador
(born 1953)
2018 1 December 2018 30 September 2024 5 years, 304 days National Regeneration Movement
66 Claudia Sheinbaum en su conferencia matutina (cropped).jpg Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo
(born 1962)
2024 1 October 2024 Incumbent 331 days National Regeneration Movement

Presidents Who Died in Office

President Term of office Date of death Notes
Benito Juárez 1857–1872 18 July 1872 (aged 66) The only President of Mexico who died of natural causes while in office.
Venustiano Carranza 1914–1920 21 May 1920 (aged 60) The only President of Mexico to be killed while in office.

Timeline

Claudia Sheinbaum Andrés Manuel López Obrador Enrique Peña Nieto Felipe Calderón Vicente Fox Ernesto Zedillo Carlos Salinas de Gortari Miguel de la Madrid José López Portillo Luis Echeverría Gustavo Díaz Ordaz Adolfo López Mateos Adolfo Ruiz Cortines Miguel Alemán Valdés Manuel Ávila Camacho Lázaro Cárdenas Abelardo L. Rodríguez Pascual Ortiz Rubio Emilio Portes Gil Plutarco Elías Calles Álvaro Obregón Adolfo de la Huerta Venustiano Carranza Lagos Chazaro Gonzales Garza Eulalio Gutiérrez Francisco S. Carvajal Victoriano Huerta Pedro Lascuráin Francisco I. Madero Francisco León de la Barra Manuel González Flores Juan Nepomuceno Méndez Porfirio Díaz José María Iglesias Sebastián Lerdo de Tejada Maximilian I of Mexico Pelagio Antonio de Labastida Juan Nepomuceno Almonte José Ignacio Pavón Miguel Miramón Manuel Robles Pezuela Félix María Zuloaga Benito Juárez Ignacio Comonfort Juan Álvarez Rómulo Díaz de la Vega Martín Carrera Manuel María Lombardini Juan Bautista Ceballos Mariano Arista Manuel de la Peña y Peña Pedro María de Anaya José Mariano Salas Mariano Paredes José Joaquín de Herrera Valentín Canalizo Francisco Javier Echeverría José Justo Corro Miguel Barragán Antonio López de Santa Anna Valentín Gómez Farías Manuel Gómez Pedraza Melchor Múzquiz Anastasio Bustamante Pedro Vélez José Maria Bocanegra Vicente Guerrero Miguel Domínguez Mariano Michelena Pedro Celestino Negrete Guadalupe Victoria Nicolás Bravo Manuel de Heras Miguel Valentín Antonio Pérez Martínez José Isidro Yañez Manuel Velázquez de León Manuel de la Barcéna Juan O'Donojú Agustín de Iturbide

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Anexo:Gobernantes de México para niños

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List of heads of state of Mexico Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.