After nearly losing House on election night, Democrats in New Mexico elect leadership
November 30, 2010
SANTA FE, New Mexico: On election night 2010, the New Mexico House of Representatives was sitting firmly in Democratic control. But by the end of the night, Republicans were only two seats away from tying the House, having taken back eight seats on November 2.
Several weeks later, the Democratic Party has chosen its leadership, and largely kept in place the same representatives in their respective positions.
- Ben Lujan, Sr. is the Democratic nominee for Speaker of the House -- although he requires full legislative approval in January.[1]
- W. Ken Martinez remains as the Majority Floor leader.[2]
Lujan's challenger in the speaker race -- Joseph Cervantes could still win the speaker's post if a Democratic-Republican coalition is created. According to Cervantes, "the voters told us they wanted change."[1]
- Keith Gardner (R), former Minority Whip, has become the new chief of staff for incoming governor Susana Martinez (R).[3]
While Gardner has been appointed to a position outside of his elected post, there is an unclear future about what will happen to his seat. Most likely, he will not resign, and the governor will appoint a replacement.[3]
| New Mexico House of Representatives | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | As of November 1, 2010 | After the 2010 Election | |
| Democratic Party | 45 | 37 | |
| Republican Party | 25 | 33 | |
| Total | 70 | 70 | |
See also
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Footnotes
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