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MEXICALI, Baja California— In a solemn early-morning session this Friday, the Baja California State Congress officially installed its new Board of Directors for the first regular session of the second legislative year of the 25th Legislature. The presidency of the Congress will be led by Assemblymember Jaime Cantón Rocha, who will oversee legislative work from August 1 through November 30 of this year.
During the preceding session, the full assembly unanimously approved the composition of the new board: Jaime Cantón Rocha as President; María Teresa Méndez Vélez as Vice President; Michelle Tejeda Medina as Secretary; Fidel Mogollón Pérez as Prosecretary; and Teresita Ruiz Mendoza as Voting Secretary.
The Congress also confirmed the makeup of the Political Coordination Board (JUCOPO), its main decision-making body, which will be chaired by Deputy Juan Manuel Molina García. Other members include legislators Juan Diego Echeverría Ibarra, Jorge Ramos Hernández, Yohana Saraí Hinojosa Gilvaja, Daylín García Ruvalcaba, Teresita del Niño Jesús Ruiz Mendoza, Diego Alejandro Lara Arregui, and Adrián Humberto Valle Ballesteros.
A key item of the session was the presentation of the legislative calendar for the period, which includes sessions on August 1, 14, 16, and 28; September 11 and 25; October 9 and 23; and November 6, 27, and 30. Sessions will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the “Lic. Benito Juárez García” Chamber at the State Congress in Mexicali, though virtual meetings remain an option at the President’s discretion.
In his first address as Congress President, Jaime Cantón Rocha thanked the media and his fellow legislators for their support. He previewed a busy session ahead, which includes receiving annual reports from the state governor and municipal mayors, addressing critical issues such as back-to-school measures, public safety, and a scheduled hearing with the state attorney general. One of the most anticipated items will be debate on the so-called “Ley Amparito,” a reform bill that seeks to hold pet owners legally accountable for dangerous animals.
This session also marked the close of Deputy Michelle Tejeda Medina’s term as President of the previous board. Under her leadership, eight regular and two special sessions were held. A total of 227 legislative initiatives were presented and 95 resolutions passed. Her term saw substantial progress in human rights and inclusion: the incorporation of Mexican Sign Language interpreters in Congress, legal recognition of vicarious violence, inclusion measures for people with autism, promotion of inclusive language, the creation of the Women’s Secretariat, and the criminalization of transfemicide.
Tejeda was widely praised for her commitment to open dialogue with all levels of government and for amplifying the voices of rural communities in the Mexicali Valley within the legislative process.
As a new chapter begins, the Baja California Congress enters a pivotal period for legislative progress on high-impact issues. The solemn August sessions—especially the one commemorating Constitution Day of Baja California—promise to be defining moments in reinforcing the state’s historical and political identity.
Under Jaime Cantón Rocha’s leadership, expectations are high for a term marked by transparency, inclusive policymaking, and progressive reform. With a focus on institutional strength, citizen engagement, and social responsibility, this new Congress aims to be a platform for change—driven by dialogue and anchored in a forward-looking legislative agenda.
Who is Jaime Cantón Rocha?
At just 29 years old, Jaime Cantón Rocha is one of the youngest Presidents in the history of Baja California’s State Congress. Born in Mexicali, he graduated with honors as a lawyer from the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC) and is currently pursuing a master’s degree. His career combines youth activism and public service: he’s served as a university council member, columnist, human rights advocate, and active member of various civic groups. He has also worked as a legislative advisor, private secretary, and cabinet coordinator. During his term as legislator, he has championed proposals including a 40-hour workweek, the right to dignified housing, and LGBTQ+ protections.