House Democrats Rally Around New Leadership Team Following Election Victories
Rep. Javier Martínez selected as caucus nominee for Speaker;
Reps. Chasey, Szczepanski, and Lara round out newly elected leadership team
Santa Fe, N.M. – On the heels of Tuesday's elections, in which New Mexicans voted to retain a strong Democratic majority in the New Mexico House of Representatives, House Democrats rallied around a new leadership team to serve for the next two years.
Current Majority Floor Leader Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque) won the caucus nomination for the Speaker of the House, a position vacated by the retirement of Speaker Brian Egolf (D-Santa Fe) who has held the role for the past seven years.
Speaker Nominee Martínez has represented Albuquerque's House District 11 since 2015 and previously served as Chairman of the House Taxation & Revenue Committee. As the child of immigrants who spent his early life along the southern border, he is committed to helping New Mexico families create brighter futures for their children.
A respected legislator and community leader, Speaker Nominee Martínez has been at the helm of some of the biggest policy wins for working families in recent years, including improving equity in our tax system with measures like the Child Income Tax credit, and providing millions in sustained funding for early childhood education with the recently passed Constitutional Amendment One. He also helped ensure that New Mexico’s framework for legalizing adult-use cannabis would be equitable and would create diverse revenue streams for the state.
“I want to thank Speaker Egolf for his steady leadership over the past six years. Under his leadership, New Mexico House Democrats have passed some of the most transformative legislation in state history, including key investments in education, infrastructure, public safety, our environment, and more, delivering real results for New Mexicans today, while planting seeds for generational change,” said Speaker Nominee Martínez. “I am honored that this incredible group of lawmakers has placed its confidence in me to continue our forward progress. Together, we will keep working to create more opportunities for our hardworking families to get ahead, protect our democracy, and diversify our state’s economy.”
Stepping into Martínez’s role as Majority Floor Leader will be Rep. Gail Chasey (D-Albuquerque), one of the longest-serving Representatives in the House. Rep. Chasey has represented her district since 1996 and currently chairs the House Judiciary Committee. She has had a historic tenure in the legislature, successfully leading the 10-year fight to repeal the death penalty in New Mexico, championing needed criminal justice reforms, eliminating court filing fees for victims of domestic violence, and prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
“After almost three decades serving in the House, I’ve seen firsthand the tangible difference that strong leadership can make in bringing about real, meaningful change in the lives of New Mexicans,” said Rep. Chasey. “It is my great honor to bring my years of experience to the role of Majority Floor Leader and join this strong and diverse team of leaders in continuing to move our state forward.”
Rep. Elect Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe) was selected as the next Majority Whip. Szczepanski is extensively versed in New Mexico’s legislative process and well-respected by the Democratic Caucus following her years of work in the Roundhouse as a top legislative staffer and former policy advocate. Her priorities include ensuring access to healthcare and behavioral health, addressing climate change, and diversifying our economy.
“I want to sincerely thank the caucus for their confidence in me to serve as their Majority Whip,” said Rep. Elect Szczepanski. “Our caucus is diverse and strong, and I look forward to helping our members advance our shared vision of opportunity and equity for all New Mexicans.”
For the position of Caucus Chair, House Democrats elected Rep. Raymundo “Ray” Lara (D-Chamberino), who has served Doña Ana County’s District 34 since 2019. An educator, Rep. Lara is an advocate for improving public education in our state. To address New Mexico’s teacher shortage and assist aspiring educators, he sponsored the successful Grow Your Own Teachers Act in 2019 and its corresponding expansion last year. As a member of the House Education and House Appropriations & Finance committees, he is also a strong voice for the needs of rural, industrial, and agricultural communities, like his Southern New Mexico district.
“I am so humbled to have been elected as the new Caucus Chair, and truly proud to bring my Southern New Mexico perspective to this great leadership team,” said Rep. Lara. “House Democrats have an impressive track record of delivering results and building a brighter future for our state, and I look forward to expanding upon our progress for all the people of New Mexico in this new role.”
The incoming Speaker will be officially elected by the full House of Representatives on the first day of the 2023 session. House Democrats elected to other leadership positions will begin their two-year positions on opening day.
Since reclaiming the House majority in 2016, New Mexico House Democrats have had one of the most diverse caucuses in the country. This important representation will continue for the next two years, with a majority of seats held by women and a majority held by people of color.
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