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Jaime Cantón Rocha, a 29-year-old legislator from the Morena party, has become the first openly LGBT+ lawmaker to preside over a chamber of deputies in Mexico, marking a milestone for representation in public office.
On Aug. 1, Cantón Rocha was unanimously elected president of the Congress of Baja California, a state that legalized same-sex marriage only four years ago. His election came at the opening of the legislature’s third ordinary session, succeeding Michelle Tejeda Medina in the post.
The vote also took place amid demonstrations in favor of the so-called Amparito Law, a proposed measure under debate in the state.
Cantón Rocha, who represents Mexicali, has served as a deputy since 2023. In his first year in office, he advanced legislation to establish a 40-hour workweek, cap rent increases, amend the state constitution to strengthen LGBT+ rights, and criminalize transfemicide.
A graduate of the Autonomous University of Baja California, where he earned a law degree with honors, Cantón Rocha teaches State Theory and is pursuing a master’s degree at CETYS University and the University of San Diego in the United States.
His political involvement began early. At 13, he was a literature commentator in the media and later a political columnist. He went on to join student movements through high school and university, and built a career as an adviser in municipal, state and federal government, including serving as private secretary to the governor of Baja California.
In 2021, Cantón Rocha joined public demonstrations that helped secure marriage equality in Baja California. His rise to lead the state Congress, advocates say, signals broader social progress and visibility for Mexico’s LGBT+ community.
Cantón Rocha will work alongside Tejeda Medina as scrutinizing secretary and legislators Fidel Mogollón Pérez, María Teresa Méndez Vélez, and Gloria Arcelia Miramontes Blantillas on the board of directors.
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