Sen. Mimi Stewart
STATE News:
SANTA FE — Members of the New Mexico Senate Democratic Caucus met Tuesday to select their nominee for Senate President Pro Tempore and elect the Senate Majority Leader, Senate Majority Whip and Senate Majority Caucus Chair.
They also voted on their nominees for Chief Clerk of the Senate and Sergeant at Arms.
The Democratic Caucus chose Sen. Mimi Stewart (D – Albuquerque) as their nominee for Senate President Pro Tempore. The Pro Tem is elected by a majority of the New Mexico State Senate when the full Senate convenes in January.
“I am honored to have the continued support of the Democratic Caucus as its choice for President Pro Tem,” Sen. Stewart said. “Leading the Senate is a challenging job, but if elected to continue in this role, I pledge to continue working collaboratively across the aisle and with the full membership as we serve to meet the many needs of our great state.”
Sen. Peter Wirth
The Democratic Caucus elected Sen. Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe), by acclamation, to continue serving as the Majority Leader for the 56th Legislative Session. Sen. Wirth was first elected to the New Mexico Senate in 2008 after serving two terms in the New Mexico House of Representatives and has served as Senate Majority Leader since 2017.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to be re-elected Majority Leader by acclamation. We have an amazing team, and Democrats in the Senate stand united,” Sen. Wirth said. “Together, we are ready to lead the charge in crafting transformational legislation for the upcoming session.”
Sen. Michael Padilla
The Caucus chose Sen. Michael Padilla (D-Albuquerque) to serve as the Senate Majority Whip.
“I would like to thank the Caucus for having the trust and confidence in me to do this job,” Sen. Padilla said. “I am deeply committed to improving the lives of every New Mexican and look forward to helping the Caucus focus on our many priorities for the state in my capacity as Whip.”
Sen. Harold Pope Jr.
Democrats in the Senate elected Sen. Harold Pope Jr. (D-Albuquerque) to be the Majority Caucus Chair.
“It is an honor to have been elected by my Senate colleagues to serve as Caucus Chair,” Sen. Pope said. “I am excited to join our leaders in building on the positive momentum this Caucus started two years ago when I was first elected to the Senate.”
Chief Clerk Cheri Lujan
Cheri Lujan was selected to fill the role of Chief Clerk. Lujan will replace Lenore Naranjo, who has served in the Senate for many years and announced her retirement earlier this year.
The Caucus elected Paula Ulibarri to continue her role as Sergeant at Arms. Both of these positions will be voted on by the full Senate at the start of the next Legislative session, which begins Jan. 17, 2023.