José María Iglesias's disputed claim to the Mexican presidency

Background. In early 1876, President Lerdo de Tejada announced plans for re-election, dooming his already unpopular presidency. On 21 March 1876, General Porfirio Díaz rebelled against Lerdo, proclaiming the Plan of Tuxtepec. When Congress affirmed Lerdo's re-election on 26 October 1876, José María Iglesias, president of the Supreme Court, declared the election illegal because of fraud and the interruption of constitutional succession.

Judicial Challenge. Iglesias, a liberal politician and lawyer, asserted his claim to the presidency based on the illegality of Lerdo's re-election. He argued that the constitutional succession was interrupted, making him the legitimate interim president until legal elections could be held. This claim was formalized in his judicial capacity, challenging the validity of the congressional affirmation of Lerdo's victory.

Rival Government. Iglesias claimed the interim presidency from 31 October 1876 to 23 January 1877. He fled to Guadalajara, where he installed his government on 2 January 1877. This rival administration existed concurrently with the military success of the Plan de Tuxtepec supporters, who eventually forced Lerdo's surrender and allowed Díaz to assume the presidency in May 1877.