For Republicans, legislative leadership is key
Even before the primary and general elections, it became clear the New Mexico Legislature will be quite different in 2025. Redistricting is playing out, as are retirements, and a number of incumbents will not be running. In total, nine Senate and eight House seats are open.
Still, few in the public expected to see the change happening now, with leaders of the minority Republican Party in both the House and Senate announcing last week they won’t be running for reelection.
Senate Minority Leader Greg Baca, R-Belen, will serve out his term, but House Minority Leader Ryan Lane, R-Aztec, has resigned. That means House Republicans will need to choose an interim leader soon, especially if Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham calls the special session she has hinted she might.
Even on the Senate side of the Legislature, Baca could remain or Republicans might choose an interim team, with more permanent leadership in both chambers selected after the general election when new members can weigh in. All of this needs to be decided quickly because legislative leaders are crucial in campaigns. GOP candidates certainly aren’t being helped much by the state party right now.
The revolving legislative leadership is another reminder of how frustrating it can be for Republicans in New Mexico.
Currently, the entire congressional delegation is made up of Democrats and so are all statewide offices, with Democrats holding a commanding majority in the Legislature in both the House and the Senate. Republicans, to their chagrin, are left to make legislation they dislike less offensive and fight culture wars in social media. Occasional delays to stall particularly loathed legislation is another favorite minority party tactic.
The majority party also controls redistricting, and Baca’s District 29 was redrawn to include the home of Sen. Joshua Sanchez, R-Bosque. Had Baca wanted to keep his seat, he would have been in a primary fight against his colleague. Instead, he has endorsed Sanchez, saying, “I refuse to allow the radical left to pit brother against brother.” Democrat Tina Garcia also is running for the District 29 seat, and she and Sanchez will square off in November.
Yet, as both Baca and Lane showed, even in today’s divided times, Democrats and Republicans can work together for solutions. Governing doesn’t have to be an endless stream of social media insults, gimmick bills or stalling. It can be, especially on hot-button issues, but there is room and always has been in New Mexico to govern as a team. Maintaining relationships across party lines is key so that on certain issues, team alliances shift.
Paid family and medical leave legislation died in the House not just because Republicans opposed it, but because 11 conservative Democrats did, too. Their concerns have to be addressed in 2025, a message sponsors heard loud and clear. Other legislation passed with bipartisan support in 2024, including once-contentious updates to high school graduation requirements. Both Democratic and the next Republican leaders should keep working on the art of compromise.
First, though, candidates have to win the election. With the June primaries around the corner, the GOP needs strong legislative leadership in place to boost its best candidates. Without winning, you can’t govern. And if your minority is too small, your ability to affect the outcome shrinks and political theater dominates.
For New Mexicans, a serious approach to policy in our Legislature — from both Republicans and Democrats — serves the people best. And for that, the GOP needs to choose serious leaders.