Outgoing Head of Government Marcelo Ebrard, who was elected to the office in 2006, of the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD) was term-limited and was not allowed to seek re-election.

Under the PRD's leadership, the city adopted liberal social policies, including gay marriage, abortion, and no-fault divorce.

[2] Going into the 2012 election, term-limited Head of Government Marcelo Ebrard was considered politically popular.

[4] In January 2012, Mexico City Attorney General Miguel Mancera was chosen as the candidate of the Movimiento Progresista coalition, which comprised the PRD, the Labor Party, and the Citizens' Movement.

[7][8] Mayoría relativa Rep. Proporcional (PRD, PT, Movimiento Ciudadano) Elections were held for all 16 borough mayor positions.