Lawyer Who Defended Drug Lord El Chapo Wins Judgeship in Controversial Mexican Vote

A lawyer who once served on the legal defense team of notorious drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán has been elected as a criminal court judge, marking a dramatic turn in Mexico’s judicial history. Silvia Delgado, a 51-year-old legal professional, secured her position in the city of Ciudad Juárez following the country’s first-ever judicial elections held on June 1.

Final vote tallies published Tuesday confirmed Delgado had garnered enough support to claim the judgeship, despite a highly controversial campaign that sparked national debate over ethics, criminal justice, and judicial independence.

Silvia Delgado is no stranger to the public eye. As a lawyer, she gained notoriety for her role in the legal defense team of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, the former head of the Sinaloa drug cartel. El Chapo was extradited to the United States in 2017 and sentenced to life in prison in 2019 for drug trafficking, money laundering, and involvement in organized crime.

Delgado’s involvement in the high-profile case made her one of the most controversial candidates in this unprecedented judicial election. Despite public scrutiny, she remained firm in defending her career choices, insisting that all individuals—regardless of their crimes—are entitled to legal representation.

In an interview with the BBC before the election, the former defense lawyer stated, “Defending a client does not imply personal agreement with their actions. It is a constitutional right, and I performed my duties accordingly.” She also dismissed any suggestion of a conflict of interest if she were elected as a judge.

Silvia Delgado’s victory comes in the wake of sweeping judicial reforms championed by Mexico’s governing Morena party. For the first time in the country’s history, judges—including local criminal judges and even Supreme Court justices—were chosen through a direct vote by the public.

Proponents of the reform argue that it democratizes the judiciary, making judges more accountable to the people. However lawyer , critics say the move threatens the independence of the courts and opens the door for politicization and populism within the justice system.

Despite the groundbreaking nature of the election, voter turnout was strikingly low. Only 13% of eligible voters participated—making it the lowest turnout recorded in any federal vote in Mexican history. Political analysts believe this may reflect public uncertainty or skepticism about the effectiveness and legitimacy of electing judges directly.

Allegations of Criminal Ties Denied by Lawyer-Turned-Judge

Delgado’s candidacy was not without controversy. Several transparency watchdogs and civil society groups raised red flags about her inclusion on the ballot, citing alleged ties to organized crime due to her former role defending El Chapo. One prominent anti-corruption organization even listed her among several candidates with supposed links to criminal elements.

Silvia Delgado firmly rejected the allegations, maintaining that her previous legal work should not be equated with criminal involvement. “Being a lawyer does not mean condoning a client’s actions. My role was to uphold justice by ensuring fair representation within the legal system,” she said during the campaign.

Following the release of the vote count, Delgado declined to comment further, saying she would wait until her victory is formally certified before issuing a public statement as an elected judge.

President Claudia Sheinbaum, a key supporter of the judicial reform, hailed the election as a “resounding success,” praising the outcome as a step toward a more inclusive and transparent justice system. However, opposition leaders and judicial experts expressed concern that the process had blurred the lines between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

“Allowing public sentiment to determine the fate of judges, especially when former criminal defense lawyers are on the ballot, poses risks to impartiality and legal integrity,” warned one constitutional law scholar.

In Ciudad Juárez, reactions were divided. Some residents voiced optimism, believing Delgado’s legal experience will bring valuable insight to the bench. Others, however, questioned whether her past associations would influence her judicial decisions.

The election of a former lawyer for one of the world’s most infamous drug lords to a judicial position underscores the complex relationship between justice, representation, and public trust. As Silvia Delgado prepares to assume her new role, her journey from courtroom advocate to courtroom authority may signal a broader shift in how legal professionals and judges are perceived in Mexico’s evolving political landscape.

Whether her tenure as a judge will be defined by impartiality or controversy remains to be seen—but her election has already become a landmark case in the nation’s democratic experiment with judicial elections.

Source- BBC