Republican

Ahead of legislative session, GOP lawmaker resigns, citing health concerns

New Mexico state Rep. Jared Hembree (R-Chaves) has officially announced his resignation from the New Mexico House of Representatives, citing unforeseen health-related issues that require his immediate attention. The announcement marks the end of his tenure as a representative, a role he described as an honor and privilege.

“It is with a heavy heart that I step down from the State Legislature,” said Representative Hembree in his resignation statement. “Serving the people of my district has been a profound honor. My family and I believe in Chaves County, and we must prioritize my health to ensure we can serve in good faith in the future.”

Rep. Hembree official portrait.

This statement underscores the weight of his decision, as Hembree emphasized his commitment to his constituents and his deep-rooted belief in the Chaves County community. He and his family extended their gratitude to the residents of his district and people across the state for their steadfast support.

In his departure, Hembree has pledged to ensure a smooth transition for his successor, working closely with House Republican leadership to maintain uninterrupted representation for the district. This effort highlights his dedication to his role and the well-being of the community he has served.

House Republican Leader Gail Armstrong released a statement following Hembree’s announcement, expressing the caucus’s collective sorrow and support during this challenging time.

“The thoughts and prayers of the House Republican Caucus are with Representative Hembree and his family during this difficult time,” said Armstrong. “We will forever be grateful for his heart for service and tireless dedication to improving the lives of New Mexicans. Representative Hembree has been a mentor, friend, and inspiration to many of us, and he will be greatly missed in the Roundhouse.”

Hembree’s resignation creates a vacancy in the state legislature, which will necessitate the appointment of a replacement to represent the district. Local officials and the House Republican leadership are expected to work collaboratively to ensure the district continues to receive effective representation.

While Hembree’s departure is a loss for the New Mexico State House, his focus on health and family resonates as a reminder of the personal sacrifices that public service often entails.

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NM Republicans choose new state chair

On Saturday, New Mexico Republican State Central Committee members met in Truth or Consequences to choose new party officers, including a new state chair. 

Current Chairman Steve Pearce, a former congressman, chose not to run for another term in the position, leaving the spot open to a new face following his exit.

Otero County Commissioner Amy Barela, a former chairwoman of the Otero County Republican Party and the current NM GOP first vice-chairwoman, won the vote to become the next Republican Party of New Mexico chief.

The new first vice-chair is Hessel Yntema, the second vice-chair is Mike Nelson, and the current secretary, Kathleen Apodaca, ran unopposed, as did Kim Skaggs for party treasurer.

In the state’s First Congressional District, former New Mexico House of Representatives candidate Joshua Neal ran unopposed for the position of CD-1 chair; in the Second District, Julianne Stroup won for CD-2 chair, and in the Third District, Public Education Commissioner Sharon Clahchischilliage, a former state representative, won that seat.

In the November 2024 presidential election, Republicans made up ground for President-elect Donald Trump, whose vote margin against Kamala Harris rose five points from 2020 when he ran against Joe Biden. 

With the shift in momentum toward the Republican Party in the state, Barela and the new party officials will have the job of recruiting volunteers, registering voters, and helping the GOP finally win back key seats in Congress, on the state-wide level and majorities in the state Legislature, where Democrats dominate 44-26 in the House and 26-16 in the Senate following the November elections.

NM Republicans choose new state chair Read More »

NM Republicans crush Dems in November voter registrations

New Mexico’s most recent voter registration statistics reveal a significant shift in the political landscape, with Republicans gaining momentum. As the state gears up for a critical election cycle in 2026, the latest data shows the GOP surpassing Democrats in new voter registrations in November by a 2-to-1 margin. This development comes as New Mexico remains a battleground state, with voter dynamics playing a crucial role in the upcoming elections.

According to the figures, the total party registration in New Mexico now stands at 1,406,281. Democrats maintain a lead with 597,208 registered voters, compared to 451,145 Republicans. 

Voters registered under other affiliations or independents total 357,928. Despite the Democrats’ overall advantage, the GOP’s recent registration surge is noteworthy, with a gain of 15,783 new voters in November, compared to 6,907 new Democratic registrations. Independents (Decline to State voters) also saw a rise, adding 6,506 voters during the same period.

This momentum could prove pivotal, given the state’s recent electoral history. In the 2020 presidential election, President Donald Trump lost New Mexico by 99,720 votes to Joe Biden, a margin of 10.79%. In 2024, Trump narrowed that gap significantly, losing to Vice President Kamala Harris by just 55,000 votes (6%). The November numbers indicate that Republicans have already clawed back a good 20% of this deficit through strategic voter registration efforts, potentially reshaping the state’s political dynamics.

The shift underscores a broader trend of Republican ground game successes in traditionally Democrat-leaning areas. New Mexico, while considered a reliably blue state in presidential elections, has significant pockets of major Republican strength, particularly in rural and semi-rural areas. The recent gains could signal increasing GOP engagement in these communities, as well as potential shifts among independent voters.

Democrats, while holding a numerical advantage, may face challenges in maintaining their edge if the GOP’s upward trend continues. With a Democrat advantage of 146,063 voters as of December, the battle for New Mexico is far from over.

As the 2026 election cycle intensifies, the governorship opens for Republicans to flip the key office after the scandal-plagued tenure of termed-out Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. 

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NM House Dems, GOP elect new leadership ahead of upcoming session

On Saturday, House Republicans and House Democrats elected new leadership in their respective caucuses ahead of the 2025 Legislative Session, which begins on January 21st.

House Democrats again tapped Speaker Javier Martínez of Albuquerque as their nominee for the speakership, current Whip Reena Szczepanski of Santa Fe as their new majority floor leader, after Leader Gail Chasey of Albuquerque announced her retirement and did not seek reelection to the House.

Rep. Dayan “Day” Hochman Vigil of Albuquerque was chosen as the Democrats’ new whip, keeping Chairman Raymundo Lara of La Mesa as the caucus chair. 

On the Republican side, the House GOP tapped Rep. Gail Armstrong of Magdalena, the current caucus chair, to be the minority leader, following Rep. Rod Montoya of Farmington, who chose not to run for reelection to the position. Armstrong is the first female GOP New Mexico House leader in history.

Republicans chose to keep current Whip Alan Martinez of Bernalillo as the minority caucus whip, while former Rep. Rebecca Dow, who recently reclaimed her seat in the House after running for governor, has been restored as caucus chair after previously holding the position.

As the January 60-day legislative session rolls upon us, it is unclear what changes the new leadership will make, regarding decorum, strategy, or way of conducting business in the House.

With both sides elevating relatively new legislators to many of the leadership positions, it remains to be seen if the chamber will continue in its same trajectory, which — at least for the Democrat majority — has veered further and further to the extreme left. 

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It’s Election Day! Which races could redefine NM politics in 2024?

As New Mexicans head to the polls Tuesday, voters are preparing to cast ballots in critical races that will influence the future direction of both the state and the nation, with Republicans setting their sights on flipping many legislative seats. From a fierce congressional contest to pivotal state legislature seats, this election offers conservative voters the best chance in decades to flip the state. Here’s what New Mexico voters need to know as they make their final decisions.

Spotlight on the Key Races

With the U.S. Presidency up for grabs, 45th President Donald J. Trump is within the margin of error in New Mexico against Democrat Kamala Harris, according to polling, with the best shot at flipping the state in 20 years.

In New Mexico’s Second Congressional District, incumbent Democrat Gabe Vasquez faces a strong challenge from Republican former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell. The race is expected to be close, with Vasquez and Herrell presenting sharply different views on topics such as immigration reform, energy policies, and economic growth, with Vasquez’s lengthy rap sheet and far-left voting record a sticking point of the campaign.

The U.S. Senate race currently held by far-left Sen. Martin Heinrich is one of the closest in recent history. According to recent polling, Republican Nella Domenici is just a single point away from clinching the seat

New Boundaries in State Senate Races

This year’s Senate election will be the first conducted under newly redrawn district lines implemented after recent redistricting. This shift has left several seats in a tighter balance between Democrats and Republicans, even though some districts remain solidly partisan. While Democrats have fielded candidates in 33 of the state’s Senate districts, Republicans compete in 24.

Several notable races with slim performance margins include:

  • Senate District 9: With no incumbent, far-left Democrat and “DACA” recipient Cindy Nava and Republican Audrey Trujillo are vying for the seat, which has a slight Democratic tilt based on voting patterns. This district spans Sandoval County and parts of Albuquerque’s Paradise Hills neighborhood, making it a closely watched race.
  • Senate District 12: Following significant redistricting changes, this district leans Republican, providing Sandoval County Commissioner Jay Block with a potential advantage over Democrat Phillip Ramirez. The district, once in Albuquerque’s downtown, now covers parts of Rio Rancho, shifting the voter demographic.
  • Senate District 18: Democrat state Rep. Natalie Figueroa and Republican Kurstin Johnson compete for an open seat that retains a modest Democratic lean in Albuquerque. However, the recent boundary shifts may influence its competitiveness.
  • Senate District 20: Incumbent Democrat state Sen. Martin Hickey is fighting to hold onto his seat in a district that is closely divided between parties. Hickey’s strong Republican opponent, Wayne Yevoli, aims to shift the balance in this Foothills region of Albuquerque.
  • Senate District 29: With a new layout spanning from Los Lunas to Socorro, this race has Republican Sen. Joshua Sanchez and Democrat Tina Garcia competing in what is now a slightly Republican-leaning district.

Key House Races to Watch

The New Mexico House of Representatives, already operating under redistricted lines from 2022, will also see its fair share of competitive seats. Democrats previously won 10 of the 12 House districts decided by narrow margins, but many key races are expected to be nail-biters, including the following:

  • House District 17: Democrat Cynthia Borrego and Republican Joshua Neal are competing for a district with moderate Democratic leanings.
  • House District 28: Incumbent Democrat Pamelya Herndon is defending her seat against Republican Marcie May.
  • House District 53: Far-left radical Sarah Silva (D) is running against Elizabeth Winterrowd (R) in a district that could swing.
  • House District 68: Democrat Charlotte Little and Republican Nathan Brooks are vying for a district with one of the slimmest partisan margins.

How to Vote: Locations, Options, and Deadlines

New Mexico voters can verify polling locations on the New Mexico Secretary of State’s website or by contacting their local county clerk’s office. Polls open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, November 5. 

If voters still have their absentee ballots but have not yet turned them in, they can hand-deliver them to a polling location or a drop box.

Voters are encouraged to check their sample ballots in advance to be familiar with all races and any ballot measures. If voting absentee, double-check that your ballot is signed and submitted correctly.

Resources and Reminders

For comprehensive election details, including sample ballots, polling place information, and voter ID requirements, visit the New Mexico Secretary of State’s website at NMVote.org.

New Mexico voters have a vital opportunity to shape the future of their communities and the state. Making an informed vote on November 5 ensures every vote counts.

It’s Election Day! Which races could redefine NM politics in 2024? Read More »

Domenici launches first ad of the campaign cycle in six-figure ad buy

Nella Domenici, the New Mexico GOP nominee for the U.S. Senate, has unveiled her first TV ad for the 2024 campaign, titled “Monroe.” The ad is named after the street in Albuquerque, where Nella and her seven siblings grew up, evoking a sense of nostalgia and highlighting the Domenici family’s longstanding legacy of service in New Mexico.

The ad pays homage to Nella’s parents, Pete and Nancy Domenici, both lifelong Albuquerque residents. Her father, Senator Pete Domenici, served New Mexico for thirty-six years in the U.S. Senate, significantly impacting communities throughout the state. Nella’s mother has been a prominent advocate for mental health. The Domenici family, including numerous siblings, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews, remains deeply rooted in the Albuquerque area.

Highlighting Nella’s professional achievements, the ad showcases her rise to the top in the finance industry while balancing the roles of wife and mother. Her philanthropic contributions in New Mexico have been so extensive that those familiar with her work often remark that “Nella had a second career in New Mexico philanthropy.”

In a statement accompanying the ad, Nella Domenici expressed her commitment to continuing her family’s legacy and encouraging New Mexicans to seek more from their representatives in November:

“I’m proud to continue the Domenici legacy of delivering more for New Mexico. I learned the value of leadership from my parents in Albuquerque. I began my career at the bottom of the career chain and worked my way up, so I know how to fight and win. Now, I want to fight and win for our home.”

The ad, part of an initial six-figure campaign investment, narrates the story of Nella’s upbringing in New Mexico and the enduring Domenici legacy of service and leadership. The voiceover in the video is a tribute to her father, using the same narrator from Senator Domenici’s campaign advertisements. This connection reinforces the deep-rooted dedication of the Domenici family to serving New Mexico.

As Nella Domenici challenges far-left Democrat Sen. Martin Heinrich, she aims to resonate with voters across New Mexico by drawing on her family’s history and her own professional and philanthropic experience. The ad shows a stark contrast to Heinrich, who lives in Maryland.

Triggered by the ad buy and attempting to defend its Silver Spring, Maryland-dwelling Heinrich, the Democrat Party of New Mexico quipped on X, “Multimillionaire former hedge fund executive Nella Domenici is spending half a million dollars to cover up a career of bad judgment calls and questionable values that belong on Wall Street, not in New Mexico.” It is interesting they used this line of attack, blasting Domenici for being a successful businesswoman despite their own incumbent’s choice of dwelling outside of the state he purportedly represents. 

Watch the ad here:

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What you risk when you stand by your vote

Those who pay attention to the Republican National Committee know a fight for control of the organization occurred in the months leading up to the winter meeting in 2023. 

Leadership at the RNC is voted on every two years, and typically, the Chair is chosen by a sitting Republican president or the Republican nominee for President.

On December 19, 2022, Turning Point, USA, sent an email to all 168 members of the RNC. Charlie Kirk, the organization’s executive director, issued a threat. In essence, members who did not vote for his choice of chair would face a primary challenge under the pretense that the “grassroots were unhappy.”

From the email – “I am launching the Mount Vernon Project. This is a special project of Turning Point Action funded graciously by donors who are vocally disenchanted with the 168, which will seek to recruit leaders to serve on the RNC and at the state level who wish to better represent the grassroots voice.”

On the day my vote was cast, I was stopped by Charlie Kirk in the lobby of the convention hotel. He was asking members who they were voting for. Afraid to have a target on their back, many were known to say they were supporting his choice, even though they weren’t. I didn’t lie, I told him who I was supporting and why. Clearly not the answer he wanted to hear.

Once the votes were calculated, Kirk’s candidate had lost two to one to the sitting chair.

In addition to Kirk’s threat, RNC members were also doxxed by a group supporting his candidate, then the candidate herself, as she shared all of our contact information on X, formerly Twitter, not once, but three times in one day.

I am running for National Committeewoman again, not to represent the interests of any national organization but to represent New Mexico Republicans. No one outside my state recruited me.

I currently have 17 New Mexico endorsements and 10 from sitting legislators, and my list continues to grow. I have worked hard for the last 16 years to build relationships within my party and work with elected officials and volunteers to move our party forward. I am proud of what I’ve accomplished.

 The Quadrennial convention, where convention delegates will decide my race, takes place on April 27th. I humbly ask for your support for a second term on the Republican National Committee. Please read my Bio for more information. 

Tina Dziuk is an economic developer and the National Committeewoman for the Republican Party of New Mexico. She can be reached at tdziuk@aol.com.

Opinions expressed by Piñon Post contributors do not necessarily represent the viewpoints of the publication or its editorial staff. Submit an op-ed to the Piñon Post at news@pinonpost.com.

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NM House Republicans elect new leader, whip

On Friday, the New Mexico House of Representatives Republicans met to elect a new minority leader and minority whip.

The vacancies in the leadership positions were not unexpected. Former Rep. Ryan Lane (R-Aztec) made a voluntary decision to resign his leadership position and his seat, paving the way for new leadership. Lane’s House seat was filled by former FBI agent Bill Hall, also of Aztec.

Rep. Jim Townsend (R-Artesia), who previously served as whip, also stepped down from the leadership role as he is running for the New Mexico Senate. This smooth leadership transition demonstrates the party’s commitment to maintaining stability and continuity.

GOP House Minority Leader Rod Montoya (left) and GOP House Minority Whip Alan Martinez (right).

House Republicans selected Rep. Rod Montoya of Farmington as leader, while Rep. Alan Martinez of Bernalillo as whip.

Montoya has served in the House since 2015 and sits on the House Appropriations Committee. Previously, Montoya served as minority whip. Before coming to the Legislature, Montoya worked for GOP former Lt. Gov. John Sanchez, who served under Gov. Susana Martinez.

Rep. Martinez, who is a freshman lawmaker elected in 2022, previously worked for the State of New Mexico’s Department of Veterans Services. 

The one leadership role in the House GOP that will not change is that of Republican Caucus Chair Gail Armstrong of Magdalena, who will continue in that position. Armstrong has served in the Legislature since 2017, succeeding former Speaker of the House Don Tripp. 

Currently, Republicans hold 25 of the chamber’s 70 seats but hope to flip many Democrat-held seats in the upcoming November election.

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Facebook accused of silencing NM GOP candidate after page deactivated

In a recent development that has sparked controversy and debate over freedom of speech on social media platforms, Angelita Mejia, a Republican candidate for the New Mexico House of Representatives, found herself censored by Facebook. Mejia, who is running unopposed in District 58 in Chaves County, had taken to Facebook to announce her candidacy and seek support in the form of ballot petition signatures, a requirement for official candidacy in New Mexico.

Mejia’s campaign and personal Facebook pages were abruptly deactivated within a day of her posting about her campaign and the need for petition signatures. Facebook cited a violation of its “community standards” as the reason for the shutdown but failed to provide a specific explanation for the action. This left Mejia and her campaign in the dark, unable to reach potential supporters through the platform as the crucial deadline for signature submission approached.

Steve Pearce, the Chairman of the Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM), expressed his concern over the incident, calling it an attempt by Facebook to silence a conservative voice. He said, “This is clearly an attempt by Facebook to silence a conservative Republican woman and to prevent her from being able to collect signatures needed to place her name on the ballot for the upcoming primary election.”

Candidate Angelita Mejia

Pearce demanded that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg take immediate action to restore Mejia’s accounts and uphold the principles of free speech and fair political engagement.

Despite Facebook’s actions, Mejia’s campaign was able to gather the necessary signatures through grassroots efforts, underscoring the resilience of traditional campaign methods in the face of digital obstacles. However, the incident has raised questions about the power wielded by social media giants and their role in the democratic process.

Mejia herself has called for an explanation from Facebook, not only for her sake but for the constituents of Chaves County whom she aims to represent. She emphasized that censorship is unacceptable regardless of political affiliation, pointing out what she perceives as an anti-conservative bias on the platform.

“Facebook not only owes me an explanation, but the company also owes an explanation to the people of Chaves County who next year will be my constituents,” said Mejia. “Censorship is always wrong, regardless of when it happens to a conservative woman or a liberal one. In my case, Facebook’s anti-conservative bias has been made very clear.”

This incident highlights the ongoing debate about the responsibility of social media platforms in moderating content while ensuring that the democratic process is not hindered. As digital platforms become increasingly integral to political campaigns, the balance between preventing harmful content and protecting free speech remains a contentious issue.

Facebook accused of silencing NM GOP candidate after page deactivated Read More »

Both N.M. Republican legislative leaders bow out of re-election

In a surprising turn of events, the Republican leadership in the New Mexico Legislature has declared they will not be pursuing reelection, leaving a significant leadership gap within the GOP. Senate Minority Leader Greg Baca of Belen made his decision public, citing intensive contemplation, discussions with family, and spiritual guidance as the reasons behind his choice. 

Meanwhile, House Minority Leader T. Ryan Lane of Aztec allowed the filing deadline for the June primary election to pass without submitting his candidacy, signaling his exit from the race. However, his chosen successor, William Hall, is running unopposed in the GOP primary for the seat.

Baca, who has served since 2017 after a notable victory over a Democrat incumbent, expressed in a statement that he believes his future contributions to his community and state lie beyond another legislative term. 

His decision has sparked speculation about potential aspirations for higher office, especially considering his pointed criticism of redistricting efforts that he perceives as attempts by progressives to create division within the GOP.

“Although I am proud of what we have accomplished, my work is not done. 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,” said Baca.

Lane, reflecting on his tenure, emphasized his desire to dedicate more time to his family as a primary reason for stepping down. Having led the House Republicans since January 2023, Lane believes the party is well-positioned for future success and has a strong lineup of candidates ready to steer New Mexico toward a more “centrist” path.

“The House Republicans are positioned for success moving forward. We have a slate of great candidates and intend on focusing on competitive races to bring New Mexico back towards the middle,” he said.

The announcements from Baca and Lane have caused a stir within the Republican Party, with new candidates like William Hall II stepping forward to fill the void. 

Hall, a retired FBI special agent with extensive law enforcement experience, was encouraged to run for Lane’s House District 3 seat. He aims to bring his knowledge of the criminal justice system to the Legislature and is committed to serving the state and its residents with pride.

“I was basically asked [to run for the seat], and I thought, ‘Well, I’d like a chance to serve,’” Hall, 61, said in a telephone interview with the Santa Fe New Mexican. “I’ve always been in a service capacity. I was in law enforcement for many years and so I said yes, and the rest is history. It was kind of a last-minute decision, you might say.”

As the GOP faces these unexpected leadership changes, the party looks to the future with optimism, rallying behind new candidates ready to take up the mantle and continue the work of their predecessors.

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