Graciela Domínguez Nava Takes Office as Interim Sinaloa Governor

-Editorial 

Graciela Domínguez Nava took office as interim governor of Sinaloa after the state Congress appointed her to complete the remainder of the current executive term, which runs through Oct. 31, 2027.

The appointment was approved 31-6 by lawmakers. Domínguez Nava, a member of the ruling Morena party, previously served as Sinaloa’s secretary of education and is regarded as a moderate figure within the state’s governing coalition.

In her inaugural address, Domínguez Nava said her administration’s immediate priorities would include restoring peace, security and public order across Sinaloa, including in its streets, schools and businesses.

She succeeds Rubén Rocha Moya, who requested an indefinite leave of absence after a brief return to office following 112 days away.

Rocha Moya initially took leave in May, saying his absence would allow investigations into allegations against him to proceed without interference. He returned to office for about 48 hours before political opposition and criticism from members of his own party led him to seek another leave.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Morena leaders criticized Rocha Moya’s return, describing the decision as inappropriate and imprudent. Rocha Moya subsequently submitted his latest request for leave to the Sinaloa Congress.

The transition comes as Rocha Moya faces allegations in a U.S. federal criminal case. An indictment unsealed in April alleges that he and nine current and former Sinaloa officials conspired with the Los Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, associated with the sons of imprisoned drug trafficker Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.

U.S. prosecutors allege the officials helped facilitate drug trafficking and protect criminal operations. The indictment also alleges that cartel interests provided financial support for Rocha Moya’s 2021 campaign in exchange for political favors and protection for trafficking activities.

Rocha Moya has denied the allegations, calling them false and politically motivated. He has accused political opponents in Mexico and the United States of seeking to undermine the country’s governing left-wing movement.

The U.S. Justice Department has sought Rocha Moya’s detention for possible extradition. Mexican authorities have not detained him. Sheinbaum has said U.S. authorities have not provided sufficient evidence to establish grounds for arrest and extradition under Mexican law.