Arrr mateys! The top dogs in the New Mexico Senate and House be walkin' the plank, choosin' to retire instead!
2024-03-13
Arrr me hearties! The scurvy dogs in the New Mexico House and Senate be walkin' the plank! They claim the dreaded redistricting be makin' them jump ship. But fear not, we'll find new crew members to fill their boots! Aye aye!
The top-ranked Republicans in the New Mexico House and Senate are not seeking reelection this year as their party tries to strengthen its position in the Democrat-led Legislature. Senate Republicans are facing their first election since Democrats merged GOP-led districts through redistricting. Senate Republican leader Greg Baca of Belen cited family conversations, prayer, and attention to new political boundaries adopted by Democrats as reasons for his decision to leave the Senate by the end of the year.Baca accused the progressive plan of pitting Hispanic Republicans against each other and endorsed Republican state Sen. Joshua Sanchez of Bosque in the merged district. House minority leader T. Ryan Lane of Aztec is also not seeking reelection to spend more time with his family. Republicans are optimistic about gaining seats in the House and believe that progressive politics have hindered New Mexico's progress.The Legislature's session ended with approval of public safety initiatives and a budget plan that curtails spending linked to an oil production boom. State House Republicans from southeastern New Mexico urged the land commissioner to reconsider withholding lease sales for oil and gas development. The state stands to lose income and investments if royalty rates remain at 20%, with a potential increase to 25% boosting annual revenues by $50 to $75 million according to the Legislature's accountability and budget office.