In the aftermath of a successful coup against president Vicente Guerrero, he was placed at the head of a triumvirate that briefly led the Mexican government during the last days of 1829.

He was a legal advisor to General Cruz and after moving to Mexico City shortly after independence he was made president of the Supreme Court upon its establishment in January 1825, being considered an honest man and an able jurist, having also already been a member of the provincial deputation in Guadalajara.

In December 1829 the Plan of Quintanar, a pronunciamiento in favor of the rebels was proclaimed within the capital and aided by Jose Ignacio Esteva, the governor of the federal district.

Interim President Bocanegra and the commandant general Anaya made no moves to suppress the revolt so on the night of 22 December, the rebels stormed the National Palace and captured it without resistance.

The partisans of Guerrero: Lorenzo de Zavala, Manuel Rejon, and Fernando del Valle were arrested but were released a few days later upon promising to recognize the new government.