Tag Archives: New Mexico

Elections

Sen. Ryan Lane Steps Away

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Ryan Lane one of the top Republican in the New Mexico House of Representatives has announced his resignation from the Legislature. This decision came right after he chose not to seek re-election. Lane’s departure adds to the high number of people within the New Mexico legislative body, with a total of 21 lawmakers deciding not to seek for re-election.

Lane’s resignation was effective immediately and was conveyed through a press release, catching many by surprise. His departure not only leaves a gap in House District 4 but also rings in a shift in leadership within the Republican caucus. With House Minority Whip Jim Townsend stepping in as the acting leader, the caucus will need to elect a permanent successor to Lane.

The reasons behind Lane’s decision to step down are ingrained in a desire to prioritize his family and business commitments. Like many others who have chosen not to seek re-election, Lane highlighted the importance of family and the need to devote more time to personal matters first. This sentiment echoes across the political spectrum, with Senate Minority Leader Greg Baca also opting out of seeking another term, citing personal and community priorities.

The wave of departures from the New Mexico Legislature spells a significant change in the political landscape. With seasoned lawmakers like Sen. Nancy Rodriguez and House Majority Leader Gail Chasey choosing not seeking re-election, Now there’s an opportunity for new faces to step in and bring fresh perspectives to the table.

One of the biggest factors behind this turnover is the redistricting process, which has redrawn district boundaries, leading to potential matchups between incumbent lawmakers. Sen. Baca’s decision not to seek re-election comes from the redrawn district lines, which would have pitted him against another incumbent. This reflects broader concerns about political polarization and the impact it can have on communities.

As the state prepares for the upcoming elections, the role of leadership within the Legislature becomes increasingly important. Leaders are tasked with fundraising, campaign strategy, and candidate training, all of which play a central role in shaping the political landscape. Townsend’s willingness to step up and fill the leadership vacuum underlines the importance of continuity and stability within the Republican caucus.

Looking ahead, the 2025 legislative session promises to be one of change and transition. With a large number of lawmakers not returning, there’s an opportunity for new voices to emerge and address the pressing issues facing New Mexico. From education and healthcare to economic development and environmental sustainability, the incoming legislators will have their work cut out for them.

Despite the challenges posed by turnover and redistricting, there’s an underlying sense of optimism about the future of New Mexico politics. The willingness of individuals like Ryan Lane and Greg Baca to prioritize family and community over political ambition reflects a commitment to public service and the greater good.

Elections

Sen. Greg Baca Announces Retirement

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One of the top ranked Republican in the New Mexico Senate is not seeking reelection this year as their party seeks a stronger foothold in the Democrat-led senate. 

Senate Republicans are dealing with the first election since a redistricting plan from Democrats merged GOP-led districts. 

Greg Baca, the Senate Republican leader from Belen, explained that his choice to retire from the Senate by the year’s end came from discussions with his family, prayer, and careful consideration, Baca also said redistricting played a crucial part in his decision for not seeking the reelection. 

“Careful observers of the progressive plan to pit two Hispanic Republicans against each other through redistricting may have seen this coming,” said Sen. Baca in a statement, while he endorsed  Republican state Sen. Joshua Sanchez of Bosque in the merged district. “In short, I refuse to allow the radical left to pit brother against brother.”

While in the state senate, Sen. Baca served on the Judiciary Committee and the Rules Committee. In the last legislative session, he sponsored three bills; the Meat Inspection Act, the Dyed Agricultural Diesel Fuel Tax Credit and a bill that would have provided the New Mexico State University women’s sports team with a nutritionist on staff. Only the Meat Inspection Act became law.

State legislative hopefuls rapidly submitted signature petitions by Tuesday evening, aiming to qualify for both the state’s June 4 primary and November general election.

“Although I am proud of what we have accomplished, my work is not done,” Baca said. “Our state has a bright future ahead and our momentum in the State Senate is evidence of that. A new day for New Mexico is coming, and as leader of the Senate Republican Caucus, a small business owner, and husband and father, I will do everything I can to see that day become a reality.”

Baca was elected as the Senate minority leader in 2020. His decision to not seek reelection means that the state’s republican senators will need to select a new leader.

In the state Senate, Democrats hold almost twice as many seats as Republicans, with a boom of retirement declarations potentially shifting the partisan dynamic next year. In the House, Democrats presently lead with a 25-15 seat advantage, reclaiming the majority in 2016. The upcoming November election will decide the composition of the entire Legislature.

 
Elections

Ron Griggs Announces Retirement

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Republican Senator Ron Griggs of New Mexico has announced his retirement from politics, opting not to seek reelection for the District 34 seat he has held since 2012. Griggs, 71, conveyed his decision in a letter, emphasizing that it is time for the next generation to lead and bring in fresh perspectives.

In his statement, Griggs expressed pride in representing Senate District 34, considering it an unparalleled honor. He acknowledged the work he has accomplished as a senator, stating, “But the time has come for new blood, new eyes, new ideas, and new directions. I am eager to pass the torch to the next generation of leaders and spend more time with Joan and my family.”

The retirement announcement was made on November 22, and Griggs will continue to serve until the end of 2024. The District 34 constituency is notably conservative, likely to remain under Republican influence in the upcoming elections.

Griggs has been a longstanding figure in New Mexico politics, representing the district since 2012 and previously holding local offices starting in 1999. His decision not to pursue a fourth term was conveyed through a letter accompanied by a press release issued late Wednesday.

Beginning his political career in 1999, Griggs was chosen to complete the unexpired term of his father, a city commissioner who passed away in office. Subsequently, he was elected as mayor before launching a successful campaign for the Senate, where he highlighted his business credentials.

As a key figure in the Senate Rural, Indian and Cultural Affairs Committee and a member of the Senate Business, Tax, and Transportation Committee, Griggs prioritized economic development. Some of his notable accomplishments include reforms to the state’s liquor licensing system, a bill addressing prescribed burns during high wind warnings, and initiatives to allocate state funds for county court facilities’ remodeling or construction.

Rumors of Griggs considering retirement circulated earlier this year, and his decision adds to a growing trend in southeast New Mexico. Senator Cliff Pirtle (R-Roswell) previously disclosed his intention to leave the Senate when his current term expires late next year. Additionally, Senators Gay Kernan (R-Hobbs) and Stuart Ingle (R-Portales) have also stepped down from their long-held seats in recent months.