Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya has obtained a leave of absence while the State Congress works to appoint an interim governor [1].
The move comes as the Fiscalía General de la República (FGR) conducts a federal investigation into drug-trafficking accusations brought by the U.S. [2]. This transition occurs in a region historically central to narcotics trade, raising questions about the stability of state governance during a high-profile legal probe.
The State Congress approved the license unanimously [1]. However, reports on the timeline of this approval have varied. Some sources indicate the license was granted, while others noted that the State Congress had not responded to the formal request for more than 70 days [3].
Legislators are now tasked with selecting a replacement to lead the state. There are five profiles currently competing for the interim governorship [1]. The potential candidates include Julio Verdegué, María Teresa Guerra, Eligio López Portillo, David Moreno, and Geraldine Bonilla [1].
Rocha Moya requested to step away from his duties to allow the FGR to investigate the allegations [2]. The governor's departure creates a power vacuum that the congress must fill to ensure the continuity of state administration, and public services.
The process of selecting an interim governor is a constitutional requirement when a sitting governor is unable to perform their duties or requests a formal separation from the office [1]. The final selection will determine who manages the state's security and political apparatus while the federal investigation into the narcotics claims continues [2].
“The State Congress approved the license unanimously.”
The stepping aside of a governor in Sinaloa due to U.S. drug-trafficking allegations underscores the ongoing pressure on Mexican state officials to distance themselves from organized crime. The appointment of an interim leader will be closely watched by both the Mexican federal government and U.S. authorities to see if it signals a shift in how the state manages its security relationship with the FGR.
