Who is Graciela Domínguez Nava? The Morena politician named interim governor of Sinaloa

Graciela Domínguez Nava officially took office as the interim governor of Sinaloa on Tuesday, marking the third change in leadership for the Mexican state in just four months. Her appointment follows the indefinite leave of absence requested by Governor Rubén Rocha Moya.

Originally from El Rosario municipality, Domínguez Nava holds a degree in Sociology from the Autonomous University of Sinaloa. She is currently serving as a federal deputy for the ruling Morena party. Her prior public service includes a stint as Sinaloa's Secretary of Public Education and Culture from November 2021 until February 2024, when she resigned to pursue her federal legislative role.

Despite her past involvement in the current administration, Domínguez Nava distinguishes herself from Governor Rocha Moya's political circle. Her political career began with the PRD party, where she served as a local deputy from 2007 to 2010. She later joined Morena, serving another term as a local deputy from 2018 to 2021 before transitioning to federal politics.

Governor Rocha Moya's initial leave of absence was requested on May 1st, after the U.S. government accused him of ties to criminal organizations. Yeraldine Bonilla Valverde, the Secretary-General of Government, initially stepped in as interim governor. Rocha Moya briefly returned to his post on May 21st, only to announce another indefinite leave the following day. The state congress officially designated Domínguez Nava as his successor on August 25th.