Former Baja California Governor Jaime Bonilla was dismissed by a court ruling from his Senate seat.

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

Bonilla was first elected to the Senate in 2018. The year later the then-senator was elected to the governorship for a two-year special term.

In a statement, the Electoral Court of the Federal Judicial Branch said the decision is based on a legal impediment for Bonilla’s return to his senate office.

After having served as Governor during the validity of an indefinite license period approved by the Senate, after taking the oath as governor he opted for said position of popular election, the court said.

Bonilla 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 the former Governor can file an appeal with the Electoral Superior Court.