Mexican governor accused by U.S. of drug trafficking abruptly resigns a day after returning to office

August 23, 2026 / 8:45 AM EDT

/ CBS/AFP

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The governor of a Mexican state who is wanted by the United States on drug trafficking charges abruptly stepped down from his role, one day after returning to office.Sinaloa Gov. Ruben Rocha Moya said in a social media post on Friday that he was resuming leadership of the northwestern state, a role he stepped away from in May to face an investigation by Mexican prosecutors. On Saturday, less than a day later, he shared a document on X asking the state congress to authorize "a temporary leave of absence of indefinite duration, exceeding 30 days."

Sinaloa Gov. Ruben Rocha Moya speaks as he leaves the inauguration ceremony of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Oct. 1, 2024.