U.S. Sen. Crystal Brantley. Courtesy photo

STATE News:

SANTA FE — Oct. 24, the Senate Rules Committee voted 5–4 to advance the governor’s appointments to the New Mexico State Fair Commission for full Senate confirmation during the upcoming regular session.

The State Fair Commission is responsible for setting policy and overseeing the operations of Expo New Mexico and the annual New Mexico State Fair. The commission helps guide decisions related to event management, fairgrounds maintenance, youth agricultural programs, and the long-term direction of one of the state’s largest cultural events.

Senator Crystal Brantley (R–Elephant Butte), who serves on the Senate Rules Committee, voted against the confirmation. Following her vote, she issued the following statement:

“For the last 90 years, rural New Mexico has brought our way of life—our livestock, our agriculture, and our values—to the epicenter of New Mexico’s population. Once a year, our kids have the chance to remind our urban friends where their food comes from.”

“In recent years, the State Fair has turned its back on our rural youth during the height of COVID, has struggled to maintain safety for attendees, and has even opened the door to moving the fair from its historic home—neglecting nearly a century of history and the very heart of why we show in our state’s biggest city.”

“While the appointees presented today are not lacking in individual qualifications, the commission as a whole has been a disappointment to rural New Mexico. I hope to see stronger leadership and a renewed commitment to fairness and tradition in the years ahead.”

Senator Brantley’s full comments during the hearing can be found here.