Mexico city: Mexico's Sinaloa state Congress has appointed Graciela Dominguez Nava as the interim governor following an indefinite leave taken by Ruben Rocha Moya, according to media reports. Dominguez Nava previously held the position of Secretary of Public Education and Culture in Sinaloa from 2021 to 2024 under Rocha Moya's administration and is currently a federal lawmaker on leave.

According to Anadolu Agency, the appointment of Dominguez Nava came after Rocha Moya requested an indefinite leave on Saturday, just two days after he returned to office following a 112-day absence. His return has faced criticism from President Claudia Sheinbaum and Morena, the ruling party of Mexico, amid allegations from US authorities linking Rocha Moya to drug trafficking. Rocha Moya has denied these allegations.

President Sheinbaum expressed her unfamiliarity with Dominguez personally but described her as honest, with a significant history of advocating for social justice and the welfare of Sinaloa's residents. She urged support for Dominguez in her new role, emphasizing the importance of her completing the term successfully.

Dominguez joined Morena in 2013 after departing from the Democratic Revolution Party (PRD) and has experience as both a state and federal lawmaker. Although she was considered a potential candidate for Morena's nomination for the 2027 Sinaloa gubernatorial election, her appointment as interim governor now excludes her from that race, as per media reports.

Sinaloa is currently grappling with a surge in violence associated with a power struggle among rival factions of the Sinaloa Cartel. The state has witnessed thousands of homicides since the conflict intensified in September 2024, creating a pressing need for enhanced security measures.