Rubén Rocha Moya, the governor of the Mexican state of Sinaloa, requested an indefinite leave of absence from the local Congress on August 22, 2026, following intense public criticism over his decision to reclaim his post just days prior while under federal investigation for alleged ties to the Sinaloa Cartel, according to reports by CNN en Español and EFE.
Congressional Approval and Political Fallout in Sinaloa
The Sinaloa Congress approved Rocha Moya’s request for a temporary leave of absence of over thirty days by a unanimous vote during an extraordinary session on August 23, 2026, as reported by CNN en Español. Manuel de Jesús Guerrero, the president of the state Congress, confirmed the unanimous decision. Lawmakers must now designate an interim governor to lead the state. Rocha Moya’s initial return to office on August 21 lasted less than 48 hours before mounting political pressure forced him to step down again. According to CNN en Español, he posted his new request to X with the message, “Sinaloa, the nation and the transformation movement are above everything.”
Sheinbaum and Morena Distance Themselves from Rocha Moya
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and leadership within the ruling Morena party openly criticized Rocha Moya’s brief return to office, asserting that personal ambition should not supersede public duty, according to CNN en Español. Without naming the governor directly, Sheinbaum published a statement on X on August 22 declaring that “the power without principles becomes arrogance” and that “no personal interest can be ever above the interests of the people and of the nation.” Speaking to reporters in Mexico City over the weekend, Sheinbaum stated that Rocha Moya’s choice to return and his subsequent decision to step back down were entirely personal matters. “I think it is the best for Sinaloa,” Sheinbaum told journalists, adding that she had not spoken with the governor since he first requested leave in May.
https://x.com/rochamoya_/status/2091324740891984219
Federal Investigations and United States Allegations
The Secretariat of Governance (Segob) clarified in an official statement on August 21 that Rocha Moya's reinstatement was a personal choice and emphasized that the ongoing investigations by the Attorney General's Office (FGR) remain active, contrary to claims made by the governor. The accused individuals include federal senator Enrique Inzunza, former security secretary Gerardo Mérida, and former administration and finance secretary Enrique Díaz, according to EFE. Rocha Moya has consistently rejected the accusations as false, telling reporters and posting on social media that he is innocent of the allegations.
Did you know? Rubén Rocha Moya spent 112 days on his initial leave of absence, starting May 1, 2026, before making his brief return to the governor’s seat on August 21.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Rubén Rocha Moya request another leave of absence?
Rocha Moya stepped down again following widespread criticism from President Claudia Sheinbaum and Morena party leaders who argued that his return to office prioritized personal interests over the public welfare of Sinaloa and Mexico.
https://x.com/claudiashein/status/2091203498817781912
Who is investigating the governor?
What did President Claudia Sheinbaum say about the situation?
President Sheinbaum stated that public servants must prioritize the nation over personal ambition, noting that while Rocha Moya’s return and subsequent departure were personal decisions, his resignation is the best course of action for Sinaloa.
Has the Sinaloa Congress chosen a replacement?
The state Congress unanimously approved Rocha Moya’s indefinite leave on August 23, 2026, and must now select an interim governor to run the executive branch.
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