Former governor removed as senator

A recent court ruling has cost former Baja California Gov. Jaime Bonilla his Senate seat.

Justices with the regional Electoral Court in Guadalajara ruled to nullify Bonilla’s reinstatement to the Senate.

Bonilla was first elected to the Senate in 2018. A year later he was elected as governor for a two-year special term.

In a statement, the Electoral Court of the Federal Judicial Branch said Bonilla forfeited his claim to the Senate seat when he took the oath of office for the governship. Bonilla at that point exhausted his right to choose between the two offices, leaving the Senate seat vacant. Hence, his reinstatement to the latter is not possible, the court explained.

Bonilla was temporarily succeeded by alternate candidate Gerardo Novelo.

Although the regional court asked the Senate to remove Bonilla from his seat and allow Novelo to rejoin his office, experts indicate Bonilla can file an appeal with the Electoral Superior Court.