Sinaloa Governor

As of June 2026, the Sinaloa Governor, Rubén Rocha Moya, is embroiled in significant legal and political controversy stemming from US indictments alleging links to the Sinaloa drug cartel. The US Department of Justice unsealed an indictment on April 26, 2026, accusing Rocha Moya and nine other officials of collaborating with the cartel to facilitate drug trafficking into the United States in exchange for political support and bribes (Al Jazeera). The indictment alleges that during Rocha Moya’s 2021 gubernatorial campaign, cartel members, including Los Chapitos—sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán—supported his electoral victory through intimidation, ballot theft, and providing a list of opponents’ names for targeted threats (El País). In response, Rocha Moya has denied all charges, calling them baseless and political in nature, and has announced a "temporary leave" from his position to defend himself (Al Jazeera). The Mexican government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Morena party, has questioned the sufficiency of evidence presented by the US and has emphasized that the charges may be politically motivated (Al Jazeera). Additionally, Rocha Moya’s resignation was announced shortly after the indictment, with other officials, including the mayor of Culiacán, also stepping down amid similar allegations (Al Jazeera). The case remains ongoing, with the US seeking extradition and further legal action, and the political implications continue to unfold.