Why Tuesday’s US midterm results are a historic opportunity for Mexico-US relations: A perspective from our CEO

Most of us intently watched Tuesday night’s midterm election results in the United States, regardless of political affiliation. As the MND team is committed to remaining apolitical, I will not weigh in on my personal thoughts on the results. I will, however, comment on what they mean for Mexico and for Mexico-U.S. relations. It’s important to understand that the hardline approach of the Trump administration over the past two years against both Mexican immigrants and Mexico effectively silenced leaders on both sides of the border. Mexico was constantly on the defensive against the U.S. on tariffs, cartels, deportations, the rights of Mexican citizens abroad and many other topics. Mexican Americans, regardless of status, watched with anxiety as their communities came under threat from aggressive ICE raids. For many people and for Mexico in general, it was a time to keep your head down and stay quiet. The focus became on surviving the storm rather than thriving, leading or growing. But the midterm election results have dramatically changed that dynamic. First of all, I am happy for Mexican Americans. They will hopefully no longer have to fear the heavy-handed tactics often deployed by members of ICE. I recently wrote about the death of the 18th Mexican-American in ICE custody here: Yet another Mexican national dies in the custody of ICE: A perspective from our CEO. People living in the United States — either legally or illegally — shouldn’t have to fear for their lives at the hands of the government. The data shows that the raids have often gone far beyond focusing on criminals, as the administration suggested it would do. Too many good people have been demonized by ICE as the agency has become increasingly extremist. I am also happy for Mexico. The country has been the brunt of countless threats by the Trump administration on everything from tariffs to immigration to drug policy and cartels — despite historic cooperation from the Sheinbaum administration on many of these issues. Businesses on both sides of the border have had to deal with near-constant tariff threats, which oftentimes defy standard logic and strategic rationale for the North American region. Both Trump and members of his administration have repeatedly claimed that Mexico is run by the cartels, that President Sheinbaum is “afraid of the cartels,” and threatened to take unilateral action in the country. Hopefully, the unprecedented cooperation will continue and the unhelpful threats will diminish. How might the results of today’s midterm elections in the United States impact Mexico? I am happy for the states of California and Texas, which both elected Mexican American governors. These two states — the largest and most economically prosperous in the United States — now account for more than half of the people of Mexican origin in the United States. Mexican Americans represent 40% of the total population in those states, which, if they were stand-alone counties, would be the fifth- and eighth-largest in the world in terms of GDP. Children of Mexican immigrants to the U.S. now lead both states. The newly elected lieutenant governor of Nevada is also of Mexican heritage. Mexican Americans stood up, voted, and were heard — loudly and clearly. Their collective action presents a tremendous opportunity for Mexico. Let me give two examples: 1. I recently wrote about the huge, untapped opportunity that the Mexican diaspora in the U.S. represents for Mexico. The engagement of Indian American businesspeople with India stands in stark contrast to the lack of engagement of many Mexican American businesspeople with Mexico. Post-election, the timing is perfect for this to change. The opportunity for Mexican American businesses to further connect with Mexico to find talent, suppliers or customers is massive and could unleash economic growth in both countries. 2. It’s time for Mexico and the U.S. to think BIG on binational projects and initiatives. If not at the national level, most certainly at the state level. Some great examples already exist or are in process. In California, think of the Tijuana airport, which actually straddles the border into California. The airport has experienced phenomenal growth and is a perfect example of how the two countries can work strategically to develop closer ties. In Texas, think of the newly-opened second railway between Laredo and Nuevo Laredo or the proposed expansion of the World Trade Bridge from eight to 18 lanes. Think of the soon-to-be-opened Pharr project adding a four-lane bridge in Reynosa, or the Colombia-Solidarity highway projects to better connect Nuevo León and Laredo. Or even consider the Green Corridors planned project for an autonomous system to transport cargo from Monterrey to Laredo. It’s a historic time for real leadership — strategic, long-term, big thinking that can foster engagement and economic prosperity between the two countries. Far too much time has been lost dividing, threatening and silencing bilateral collaboration and cooperation. The current circumstances offer an opportunity to take the relationship to a whole new level. Leaders on both sides of the border, stand up! The time is now. Travis Bembenek is the CEO of Mexico News Daily and has been living, working or playing in Mexico for nearly 30 years.