Mexican Governor Accused by U.S. of Aiding Drug Cartel Steps Down

The New York Times ^ | May 2, 2026 | Jack Nicas

[Wally_Kalbacken]

Rubén Rocha Moya, the Mexican governor indicted by the United States this week, said Friday night that he would temporarily step down from his post, expanding the political fallout from accusations that he aided a powerful drug cartel for years.

Mr. Rocha, 76, said in a two-minute recorded statement late Friday that he was innocent but would take “a temporary leave of absence” as governor of the Mexican state of Sinaloa to focus on defending himself from the accusations.

[Wally_Kalbacken]

I do not recommend standing next to this guy, starting his car or volunteering to taste his food. He had some governmental power, subject to cartel control, and now he has given that up - so he is what to them? Nothing. They will kill him in the near future.

[Repeal The 17th]

ALL politicians in Mexico are "cartel approved".

[b4me]

I don’t know how long this guy has been in office, but it’s been decades the Sinaloa and other cartels have funded or influenced candidates/elections.

[bobbo666]

Quite likely true. In last national election some 30 politicos were murdered just weeks before.

[webheart]

We will know he is innocent when he is still alive this time next year. Otherwise I think his forecast for living is bleak.