Which statement about the Mexican Senate's composition is accurate?

Which statement about the Mexican Senate's composition is accurate?

• A. All 128 seats are elected by single-member districts.
• B. 96 state-level seats are elected by the party with the most votes in each state.
• C. 32 seats are elected by nationwide proportional representation.
• D. The 96 state-level seats are elected by a mix: two by plurality in each state and one by the second-highest vote in the state, while 32 seats are elected by nationwide proportional representation.

Answer: (D)

The thing this question tests is how the Mexican Senate is elected through a mixed system that blends regional representation with nationwide party proportionality. In Mexico, there are 32 federative entities (31 states plus Mexico City). In each state, three senators are chosen: two go to the party with the most votes, and one goes to the party with the second-most votes. That adds up to 96 state-level seats (32 states × 3 seats, distributed as two for the plurality winner and one for the runner-up). The remaining 32 seats are filled through nationwide proportional representation, allocating seats to parties based on their total national vote share. This combination creates a Senate that reflects both regional outcomes and overall party strength.

That’s why the correct statement is that the 96 state-level seats come from two seats for the plurality winner in each state and one seat for the second-place party, while 32 seats are elected by nationwide proportional representation. The other options imply only district-based winners or only nationwide PR, which doesn’t match how the Senate is actually structured.