A southeastern New Mexico legislative race took an unexpected turn this week after a first-term Republican lawmaker abruptly withdrew his reelection bid—just hours before the legal deadline—potentially clearing the path for another GOP candidate to secure the seat.
According to reporting by the Albuquerque Journal, Rep. Mark Murphy, a Roswell-based oilman, formally withdrew from the House District 59 race on Tuesday, the final day candidates were allowed to remove their names from the ballot under state law. Murphy had only recently filed for reelection, submitting paperwork last month to seek a new two-year term.
Murphy was originally appointed to the seat in January 2025, filling the vacancy left by former Rep. Jared Hembree, who stepped down due to health concerns.
His sudden exit now leaves Stephen Dodson, a Roswell small business owner and former foster parent, as the only Republican candidate currently in the race for the GOP-leaning district. While independent or third-party candidates could still enter the contest later this summer, Murphy’s withdrawal significantly reshapes the immediate outlook of the race.
The timing of the move has drawn broader attention, as similar last-minute withdrawals have sparked debate in political circles nationwide. Critics argue that exiting a race just before the deadline can limit opportunities for challengers to organize campaigns, effectively giving an advantage to remaining candidates. The Journal noted that recent examples include U.S. Sen. Steve Daines of Montana, who withdrew reelection paperwork shortly before a filing cutoff, as well as U.S. Rep. Chuy García of Illinois, who made a comparable move last year.
Murphy’s decision also adds to a growing list of incumbents stepping away from the New Mexico House this cycle. He is now one of six sitting representatives who will not seek reelection. The others include Reps. Susan Herrera of Embudo, Martin Zamora of Clovis, Matthew McQueen of Galisteo, Jimmy Mason of Artesia, and Joanne Ferrary of Las Cruces.
Several of those lawmakers are pursuing other opportunities. Zamora has launched a congressional bid against incumbent U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, while McQueen is competing for the Democratic nomination in the state land commissioner race. The remaining departing legislators are not currently seeking other elected offices.
Murphy’s withdrawal comes amid a broader wave of political shifts in New Mexico, including recent ballot challenges affecting other candidates. As previously reported, Rep. Rebecca Dow of Truth or Consequences was recently removed from the ballot by a state judge over issues related to nominating petition procedures, though she has indicated plans to appeal the ruling to the New Mexico Supreme Court.
Murphy himself has previously explored higher office. He considered entering the race for governor last year but ultimately declined to pursue the Republican nomination.
In the Legislature, Murphy currently serves on both the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee and the House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee. Beyond his legislative role, he has also been an active political donor, contributing to Republican candidates and committees in recent years. Notably, the Journal reported that he drew attention in 2012 for supporting former Democratic Senate President Pro Tem Tim Jennings over a Republican challenger.
Murphy did not respond to requests for comment regarding his decision to withdraw.
With the filing deadline now passed, attention turns to whether any additional candidates will enter the race—and how Murphy’s late exit may influence the balance of the contest heading into November.
McQueen and Ferrary need to be PROSECUTED For Crimes Against The Citizens of NM