House Democrats Unite Behind Diverse Leadership Team
Javier Martínez retains caucus nomination for Speaker; Reps. Szczepanski, Hochman-Vigil, and Lara round out leadership team
Santa Fe, N.M. - New Mexico House Democrats united today behind a diverse leadership team to steer the caucus for the next two years. Caucus leadership elections came on the heels of a consequential General Election, in which New Mexico voters maintained a strong Democratic majority in the Roundhouse, despite substantial Republican gains nationwide.
Current Speaker of the House Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque) won the caucus’s nomination to retain his role as the head of the chamber. The entire House will officially elect the Speaker on the first day of the 2025 Legislative Session. Democrats will enter the Session with at least 44 of the 70 seats in the New Mexico House of Representatives (pending results of a possible recount in District 57).
“I am deeply grateful to my colleagues for continuing to place their confidence in me, and I look forward to serving alongside the strong, diverse leadership team elected today and all of the incredible public servants in our caucus,” said Speaker Martínez. “No matter what happens at the federal level, we will continue our fight to make life better for your family, safeguard your rights and freedoms, and improve access to opportunity for all. New Mexico is ready for this moment.”
Rep. Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe) will serve as Majority Floor Leader, a position vacated by the retirement of Rep. Gail Chasey (D-Albuquerque), the longest currently-serving Representative in the House.
“I want to thank Leader Chasey for her steadfast leadership, mentorship, and friendship,” said Leader Szczepanski, who previously served as House Majority Whip. “It is my honor to step into the role of Majority Floor Leader and continue to champion our children, families, and communities. House Democrats have shown the strength of this caucus and its readiness to win meaningful progress for New Mexico’s families. We’re ready to work as a united front joined by our shared commitment to our constituents and our Democratic values.”
Rep. Dayan Hochman-Vigil was elected to serve as the next House Majority Whip.
“I am honored to have been chosen to serve as the House Majority Whip for this dynamic group of Representatives,” said Whip Hochman-Vigil. “I look forward to working closely with members across our caucus to deliver the results people in our state are counting on: safer communities, stronger schools, healthier families, and a brighter future for every New Mexican.”
Raymundo “Ray” Lara (D-Chamberino) will continue to serve as the House Democrats’ Caucus Chair.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to continue serving as caucus chair and I am honored to bring my perspective as an educator and Southern New Mexican to this stellar leadership team,” said Chair Lara. “We look forward to working together in the upcoming session to stand up for our New Mexican values of hard work, caring for our families, and helping our neighbors.”
House Democrats also welcomed newly elected Representatives Joseph Hernandez (Shiprock), Anita Gonzales (Las Vegas), Michelle Pauline Abeyta (To'hajiilee), Marianna Anaya (Albuquerque), Elizabeth Torres-Velasquez, Ph.D. (Albuquerque), and Sarah Silva (Las Cruces). New Mexico House Democrats have one of the most diverse caucuses in the country, with a majority of seats held by women and a majority held by people of color.
In the 2025 Legislative Session, House Democrats will focus on improving community safety, lowering taxes for working families, ensuring all of New Mexico’s children get the education and opportunities they deserve, expanding access to healthcare, including behavioral healthcare, lowering the cost of housing, and continuing to build an economy that works for all New Mexicans.
House Democratic Leadership Bios
Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque) has represented Albuquerque's House District 11 since 2015. Since being elected Speaker in 2022, he has established a strong culture of respect and civility in the chamber, facilitating bipartisan cooperation on impactful legislation to uplift working families, improve community safety, and invest in current and future generations. Under his speakership, the legislature has also taken its first step toward modernization, implementing year-round staffing to help all of the state’s volunteer lawmakers better serve their constituents.
Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe) is the first Asian-American elected to a leadership position in the New Mexico state legislature. She has championed key bills to expand New Mexicans’ access to affordable healthcare, safeguard reproductive freedom, prevent gun violence, address climate change, and spur the growth of New Mexico’s creative industries.
Whip Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D-Albuquerque) has represented District 15’s North Valley neighborhood since 2019 and currently serves as Chair of the House Transportation, Public Works & Capital Improvements Committee. She has established herself as a pragmatic leader, championing key infrastructure developments and criminal justice reforms, safeguarding New Mexicans’ fundamental rights, and investing in burgeoning new industries to diversify our economy.
Chair Raymundo “Ray” Lara (D-Chamberino) is a champion for improving public education in our state. He sponsored the successful Grow Your Own Teachers Act and subsequent expansion, as well as legislation increasing employer contributions to health insurance coverage for teachers and school employees. Chair Lara is also a strong voice for the needs of rural, industrial, and agricultural communities, like his Southern New Mexico district.
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