Sebastián Lerdo de Tejada (April 24, 1823 - April 21, 1893) was a Mexican politician.

He was born in Xalapa, Veracruz (Mexico). His brother Miguel Lerdo de Tejada is also a notable Mexican political figure.

He became known as a liberal leader and a supporter of President Juarez. He was minister of foreign affairs under Ignacio Comonfort for three months in 1857, and became president of the Chamber of Deputies in 1861.

During the French intervention and the reign of the emperor Maximilian he continued loyal to the patriotic party, and had an active share in conducting the national resistance. He was minister of foreign affairs to President Juárez, and he showed an implacable resolution in carrying out the execution of Maximilian at Querétaro.

When Juarez died in 1872 Lerdo succeeded him in office (July 19) in the midst of a confused civil war. He achieved some success in pacifying the country and began the construction of railways. He was re-elected on July 24, 1876, but was expelled on November 20, 1876 by Porfirio Diaz. He had made himself unpopular by the means he took to secure his re-election and by his disposition to limit state rights in favour of a strongly centralized government.

He went into exile in New York where he died some years after. He was buried in Mexico.

See also:

• List of Presidents of Mexico
• History of Mexico
• Politics of Mexico