Santa Fe's Szczepanski named new House majority leader; Stewart, Wirth to lead Senate

Nov. 16—State House Democrats picked Santa Fe Rep. Reena Szczepanski as their new majority floor leader Saturday morning as both parties ....

She joins a leadership team that includes Sen. Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, who was reelected as Senate president pro tempore, and Sen. Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, returning as majority leader. He has served in that role since 2017.

Szczepanski replaces Rep. Gail Chasey, D-Albuquerque, who didn't run for reelection this year. The second-term legislator beat out Rep. Linda Serrato, also of Santa Fe, for the role.

"It is my honor to step into the role of majority floor leader and continue to champion our children, families, and communities," Szczepanski, who previously served as House majority whip, said in a statement. "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."

Replacing her as whip is Rep. Dayan Hochman-Vigil, D-Albuquerque, who beat out Albuquerque Rep. Charlotte Little.

"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," Hochman-Vigil said.

Senate Democrats reelected Sen. Michael Padilla, D-Albuquerque, as majority whip and named Sen. Leo Jaramillo, D-Española, majority caucus chair.

Rep. Raymundo "Ray" Lara, D-Chamberino, was confirmed again as the House Democrats' caucus chair.

"I am excited to join the leadership team and build on the changes we are making to positively impact every community across this state," Jaramillo said.

Wirth called it humbling to be reelected and an honor that it was done by acclamation.

"Democrats in the Senate are united," Wirth said in a statement. "I'm very excited about the talent and perspectives our new members bring to the table. We are ready to work with the House and governor to deliver solutions to the many challenges facing the state."

Democrats kept their majority in the last election and expect to control at least 44 of the House's 70 seats going into the legislative session starting in January. House Speaker Javier Martínez, D-Albuquerque, was nominated by the caucus to continue in his role.

"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," Martínez said. "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."

In a news release Saturday, Democrats touted that a majority of their seats this year are held by women and people of color.

In the 2025 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," they said.

House Republicans also picked new leadership Saturday, naming Rep. Gail Armstrong, R-Magdalena, as minority leader. She will be the first woman in the state's history to head the House Republican caucus.

"As a mother, grandmother, businesswoman, and rancher, I know the grit it takes to fight for what's right," Armstrong said in a statement. "I have lived in New Mexico my whole life and it breaks my heart to see our state's future under threat of failure — it won't fail on my watch. As the first woman elected to serve as the leader of the House Republican Caucus, I am committed to focusing on the areas of common ground that unite rather than divide us."

Representative-elect Rebecca Dow, a former lawmaker who beat Democrat Tara Jaramillo for the House District 38 seat that stretches from Socorro to the outskirts of Las Cruces, was named caucus chair. Rep. Alan Martinez, R-Bernalillo, will continue in his role as minority whip.

"I feel so blessed to be back in the Roundhouse working with my fellow champions for conservative values," Dow said. "I am looking forward to fighting for meaningful legislation that protects parental rights, defends our children and their long-term health and wellbeing, and brings back affordability to every household in New Mexico."

Stewart and Martínez will need to be confirmed in their roles by their respective bodies when the Legislature convenes for the session in January.