Josefina Vazquez Mota will compete in the July 1 election . The former governor of Mexico has been a leading candidate for president since she was elected to office in 2006. The former education secretary and congresswoman faces a tough political battle . Mexico 's president has been mired in a controversial war on drug cartels .
Josefina Vazquez Mota will compete in the July 1 election . Being a woman is a `` competitive advantage , '' she says . The former education secretary and congresswoman faces a tough political battle . Mexico 's president has been mired in a controversial war on drug cartels .