Midterm Elections: PAN Loses Congress — Fox Becomes Lame Duck

Mexico's midterm congressional elections hand the PRI major gains in the Chamber of Deputies. The PAN loses its plurality, falling from roughly 223 to 153 seats. The PRI wins approximately 222 seats and the PRD gains ground as well. Without a congressional majority, Fox is structurally unable to pass major legislation for the remainder of his term. This legislative weakness is the defining constraint of his presidency. The midterm defeat reflects voter frustration with the slow pace of change and the economic recession of 2001–2002.