The US indictment unsealed April 29 charging Governor Rubén Rocha Moya with cartel-related drug trafficking and weapons offenses prompted his May 2 request for a temporary leave of absence, which Sinaloa state lawmakers quickly approved along with the appointment of an interim governor. Mexican federal authorities have declined to detain him or advance extradition proceedings, while Rocha has publicly denied the allegations and stated he will defend himself through domestic institutions. These factors have kept trader consensus on permanent removal by May 31 at a minority position, reflecting the temporary character of the leave, absence of further domestic legal triggers, and historical patterns in which Mexican officials facing foreign indictments often retain or regain office pending prolonged proceedings.