On June 2, 2026, a decree amending and adding various provisions of the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States regarding reform of the Judiciary was published in the Federal Official Gazette.
The reform does not completely replace the model approved in 2024; rather, it clarifies how the next judicial elections must be organized, particularly the 2028 election.
The most relevant amendments are the following:
- The next judicial election is postponed
The reform postpones from 2027 to 2028 the election of federal and local judicial positions that were not renewed in the 2025 election, and provides that the federal and local judicial election day will coincide on the first Sunday of June 2028.
- The Supreme Court may operate in sections
The reform authorizes the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation to operate in full Court and, subject to approval by the full Court itself, also in two sections.
- The judicial election procedure is modified
The reform further regulates the integration of the Evaluation Committees of each branch of government and creates a Coordinating Commission responsible for establishing uniform evaluation criteria, selection methodologies, and knowledge examinations. The process will involve fewer candidates and a more rigorous screening mechanism.
- Rules for judicial vacancies are clarified
In the event of death, resignation, removal, or permanent absence of a Circuit Magistrate or District Judge, the judicial administration body must declare the position vacant, and the vacancy must be filled for a new term in the next applicable judicial election. In the case of vacancies on the Supreme Court, the Judicial Disciplinary Tribunal, or the Electoral Tribunal, the position will be filled by the person of the same gender who obtained second place in the relevant election.
- There will be post-election evaluation and training
During the first year in office, the Judicial Disciplinary Tribunal will evaluate elected Circuit Magistrates and District Judges and will implement ongoing training and professional development programs.
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The 2026 publication should not be read as a repetition of the 2024 judicial reform, but rather as a clarification of its operating rules. The central purpose is to prepare the framework for the 2028 judicial election and for the complete renewal of the pending positions in the federal and local judiciaries.
The 2026 reform is primarily an implementation and operational adjustment reform. Its practical impact will lie in how candidates are selected, ballots are organized, vacancies are filled, newly elected judges and magistrates are evaluated, and the transition toward 2028 is completed. For significant or long-term litigation, it will be important to monitor the composition of courts, judicial assignments, secondary regulations, and potential effects on resolution timelines.
If required any further information regarding the content of this Alert, please contact:
Arturo Rivera: arivera@pcga.mx
Zulima González: zgonzalez@pcga.mx
María Fernanda García: mgarcia@pcga.mx
Sheila Reyes: sreyes@pcga.mx
