Mexico’s ruling party, Morena, is moving toward naming Imelda Castro as its candidate to replace Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya, according to a report from EL PAÍS. The announcement is expected to come as part of a broader rollout of party picks for the next electoral cycle.
EL PAÍS reports that Castro is being positioned as the party’s choice to close out the Rocha Moya era in Sinaloa. The move is part of Morena’s internal selection process, which has been unfolding ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial race.
The report aligns with other signals from the party. Reforma noted that Morena was set to announce its Sinaloa candidate, while MILENIO and La Jornada reported that the party is naming coordinators for the so-called “Fourth Transformation” defense in both Sinaloa and Querétaro. In Querétaro, Morena has tapped Santiago Nieto, former head of Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit, for a similar role, according to El Financiero.
Castro, a senator from Sinaloa, has been a prominent figure within Morena’s ranks. Her potential candidacy would mark a continuation of the party’s hold on the state, which Rocha Moya has governed since 2021.
The formal announcement of Morena’s Sinaloa candidate is expected soon, with party leadership finalizing its slate of nominees. Observers will be watching whether Castro’s nomination is confirmed without internal friction, and how her campaign would address the security and economic challenges that have defined Rocha Moya’s tenure.
