Hendry says he plans to give up labor group presidency
Gov. Susana Martinez is leaving office this year and so, too, is one of her leading critics.
Jon Hendry, a fixture of the state’s film industry, will not seek another term as president of the New Mexico Federation of Labor.
Hendry, who also serves as the business agent of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees Local 480, said Wednesday he will no longer lead the statewide umbrella group of labor unions after its convention in June.
“I don’t think it was a surprise to many, because I said when I was originally elected that I had no plans for serving longer than the President of the United States or the Governor of New Mexico can,” Hendry wrote Wednesday in a Facebook post about his decision not to seek another term after seven years as the federation’s president. “And this is a great time to step aside as I truly believe we will have a pro-worker Governor, pro-worker statewide officials, and a legislature that will move us forward.”
Hendry is something of a political force, and his announcement comes ahead of a gubernatorial election later this year. A regular around the Roundhouse, the federation and Hendry’s union are major backers of progressive Democrats in the Legislature and beyond. He has been a staunch ally of Santa Fe Mayor Javier Gonzales, supporting his bid for lieutenant governor.