ALBUQUERQUE ― Republican Party of New Mexico Chair Ryan Cangiolosi has announced changes and additions to party staff.

 

Michael Horanburg has been hired as director of Outreach and Political Operations. Additionally, James Clarke, who was previously serving as deputy political director, has been named director of Political Strategy. Dominic Pacheco also has been named interim communications director and finance director.

Horanburg previously worked for the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action as southwest field coordinator, and also serves as the state director of New Mexico Youth and Government program at the YMCA of Central New Mexico. After graduating from the University of New Mexico, he worked for the Albuquerque City Council as a policy analyst.

“I am grateful for this new opportunity to work for the party I believe in. I want to build and strengthen the relationships with county parties and local activists I know we will need to win,” Horanburg said. “I’m excited to begin working with Chairman Cangiolosi and the rest of the team as we lay the groundwork for victory in 2018.”

Clarke joined RPNM as deputy political director in January, after working in 2016 first as a field organizer for RPNM and later working on Rep. Sarah Maestas Barnes’ successful campaign for reelection. Clarke also worked as political director for the New Mexico House Republican Caucus in 2014, helping them win their first majority in 65 years, and on Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry’s reelection campaign in 2013.

“I’m eager to take on this new role at the state party,” Clarke said. “The increased electoral success of GOP candidates directly translates into improved policy outcomes for our great state. I value this opportunity to improve our economy, education, public safety and the lives of New Mexicans by helping republicans win close races.”

Pacheco began working at RPNM in 2015 as a communications intern, and later headed up communications on the ground for the New Mexico delegation at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. He also worked on Diego Espinoza’s campaign for the State Senate in 2016. Most recently, Pacheco has worked on the RPNM finance team. He also serves as Treasurer for the Sandoval County Republican Party.

“I’m glad to be back on the RPNM communications team, once again helping to promote the Republican party’s message and coordinate with the many campaigns we’ll be working with throughout the 2018 cycle,” Pacheco said.

Cangiolosi said he is pleased about RPNM’s current team and looks forward to building upon it as 2018 approaches.

“These changes and additions to our party staff will not only make the best use of our team members’ unique strengths and backgrounds, they will strengthen our party organization and increase our responsiveness to the concerns of Republicans across our state,” Cangiolosi said. “I am confident that our newly reorganized staff will be invaluable in promoting the values our party fights for and winning up and down the ballot in 2018.”