New Mexico Republican Party Leadership Candidates Discuss Plans for Change

The New Mexico Republican Party is looking for a new leader after current Chairman Steve Pearce announced he will not seek reelection. Pearce, a former U.S. representative and gubernatorial candidate, has led the state’s GOP for the past six years. His decision to step down was first reported by the Albuquerque Journal, and now six candidates are vying to replace him. The contenders are Amy Barela, Otero County commissioner; John Brenna, Valencia County GOP Executive Committee chairman; Robert Kwasny, a GOP primary candidate for Bernalillo County Clerk; Mark Murton, a former Army officer; Mick Rich, who ran for U.S. Senate; and District 29 state Sen. Joshua Sanchez.

Delegates will choose the new chair during the state GOP’s Biennial Convention on December 7, 2024.

In recent interviews, three of the candidates spoke about what changes they believe are necessary for the party’s future. While diplomatic in their critiques of Pearce’s tenure, they acknowledged the need for a new approach if the GOP is to gain traction in New Mexico.

Barela, who is the current vice-chair of the party, emphasized her knowledge of the GOP’s internal structure and outlined an “aggressive plan” to flip the state red. She aims to increase voter registration and expand the party’s presence statewide, noting that Democrats currently dominate the voter rolls with 42%, compared to the Republicans’ one-third share. “We just need to increase our voter registration drives and be where we’re not,” she said.

Rich, a construction contractor and two-time U.S. Senate candidate, focused on unity across New Mexico’s geographic and economic divides. “A Republican that can win in the southeast, or in northwest New Mexico, can’t win in the Rio Grande Valley,” Rich explained. He believes the party must support a broad range of Republicans who share common goals, even if they don’t align on every issue. Rich also stressed the importance of unity in future campaigns.

Meanwhile, Murton, who has been focusing on grassroots efforts in Bernalillo County, said he has a vision for the party but was unable to provide specifics before the convention.

The GOP had mixed results in the 2024 elections, gaining two seats in the statehouse, though they still remain in the minority in the New Mexico state government. Democrats hold the governor’s office and have majorities in both legislative chambers.

Rich called the GOP’s 2024 performance “disappointing,” blaming a lack of unity and leadership for their struggles. He believes the party needs new strategies to succeed, taking inspiration from Donald Trump’s political model. “Donald Trump did it, and we can do it,” Rich said.

Barela, on the other hand, credited Pearce for getting the party closer to victory in New Mexico than ever before. “I hope to continue the momentum he built upon and strengthen it with the grassroots,” she said. Barela also expressed support for continuing Pearce’s policy platform and emphasized the need to adapt President Trump’s approach to ensure that all New Mexicans are included in the GOP’s vision for the state.

As for Rich, he praised Pearce’s fundraising efforts and statewide tours in 2018 but argued that the party needs to build stronger unity earlier in the election cycle. “Every time there’s an election, we need to start that at the beginning, not the end,” he said.

Both candidates agree that messaging is key to the GOP’s success. Barela wants the party to focus on lowering consumer prices and reducing state regulations, while Rich plans to secure support from Washington to bolster the state party’s efforts. His goal is to bring attention and resources to New Mexico Republicans within six months of taking office.

As the state GOP prepares for a leadership change, the focus will be on gaining ground in a state that remains firmly in Democratic control—though Pearce’s tenure has left the party hopeful that a change in leadership could still turn the tide.

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