After weeks of mounting pressure from Republicans and just days before the start of New Mexico’s 30-day legislative session, Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Tuesday announced her appointment to fill the long-vacant Senate District 33 seat in southern New Mexico.
The governor selected Rex Wilson of Ancho to serve as state senator for District 33, which includes Lincoln, Otero, and Chaves counties. The announcement came only after repeated public calls from Republicans urging the governor to act before the looming capital outlay deadline and the start of session, arguing that continued delays were disadvantaging a heavily Republican district.
The seat has been vacant since the resignation of former Sen. Nicholas Paul more than two months ago. During that time, multiple candidates were reportedly vetted and interviewed, but no appointment was made, prompting criticism that the governor was intentionally stalling for political reasons.
Earlier this week, the Republican Party of New Mexico issued a sharp press release demanding that Lujan Grisham nominate a replacement by the end of the week, warning that continued inaction would leave District 33 without a voice during one of the most consequential legislative sessions in years. Republicans specifically pointed to the January 12 capital outlay deadline, noting that without a sitting senator, communities in the district risked losing out on critical infrastructure funding.
“There’s really no excuse for the governor to stall this nomination,” said RPNM Executive Director Leticia Muñoz in the release. “This will hurt the people of SD-33 if they do not have representation by the capital outlay deadline.”
Within days of that pressure, the governor made her decision.
Wilson, a former two-term Lincoln County commissioner, brings a background in healthcare administration and rural advocacy to the Senate. According to the announcement, he spent 18 years working as a healthcare administrator and previously directed early childhood services at Presbyterian Health Services. He is also a multigenerational rancher and the founder of Camp Sierra Blanca at Fort Stanton, an alternative education program for at-risk youth.
Senate Republican Leader Bill Sharer (R-Farmington) praised the appointment, saying Wilson would be a strong addition to the caucus and emphasizing the importance of restoring representation to the district ahead of session.
“I extend my gratitude and congratulations to Rex Wilson, who will do a fantastic job serving the people of Senate District 33,” Sharer said. “I am pleased that New Mexicans in Senate District 33 will have representation heading into this upcoming Legislative Session.”
Wilson echoed that sentiment in his own statement, saying he was “humbled and honored” by the appointment and eager to get to work.
“I look forward to getting meaningful things done for my fellow community members and the citizens of our great state of New Mexico,” Wilson said.
The appointment follows a competitive selection process that included several high-profile Republican contenders, including Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo) and Lincoln County Commissioner Martin Fisher, who were selected by Otero and Lincoln Counties, respectively.
In a statement following the announcement, Block struck a defiant tone, emphasizing that while he was not selected, his resolve and convictions remain unchanged.
“The appointment has been made, but the people have already chosen me,” Block said. “I will keep fighting in the House: louder, stronger, and without apology. No, I wasn’t selected, not because of ability, but because standing firm for conservative values comes with a political cost. I won’t compromise who I am to gain a title. I don’t need permission to lead. This wasn’t a setback. It was confirmation. I’m not going anywhere — and I’m just getting started.”
With the appointment finalized, Senate District 33 will now enter the 2026 legislative session with representation — albeit after what Republicans argue was an unnecessary delay that forced the governor’s hand under public pressure.
Editor’s Note: State Rep. Block is the editor and founder of the Piñon Post.
Another comrade to the fold…
I obviously don’t know enough about politics but what’s the real difference between having John Block in the House and not the Senate? I know he’s working hard for us and I really appreciate it.
JB would have been a better choice. MAGA has firm grip on this one.
Yes, we the people are with you!
MLG is afraid of John Block, hence no appointment.