Amy Barela to Lead New Mexico Republican Party as State Chair

Amy Barela, an Otero County commissioner, was elected as the new chair of the New Mexico Republican Party during the party’s convention this past weekend in Truth or Consequences. Barela, who received 157 votes, outpaced the combined total of the other four candidates, securing a decisive win.

In an interview before the convention, Barela outlined her “aggressive plan” to turn New Mexico red. Her strategy includes increasing voter registration and strengthening the party from the ground up. “It’s about messaging to all New Mexicans—helping lower prices with effective legislation and reducing regulation to attract businesses to the state,” she said.

Barela emphasized the importance of updating the party’s platform in collaboration with newly elected officials. She stated that the party should be proactive in supporting legislators who share these goals.

Regarding the party’s legislative agenda, Barela’s spokesperson outlined key priorities, including advocating for lower taxes to benefit families, reducing regulations to support small businesses, and utilizing New Mexico’s oil and gas resources to improve the economy and reduce energy costs. “Our Republican leaders in the legislature are committed to championing policies that bring positive change and elevate the quality of life for all New Mexicans,” she added.

Barela represents District 2 in Otero County, which includes northern Alamogordo, Tularosa, Holloman Air Force Base, and areas near the Mescalero Apache Reservation. The district strongly supported President-elect Donald Trump in the 2020 election, with a 27-point victory margin in Otero County.

In other party leadership elections, Roswell City Attorney Hessel Yntema won the position of first vice chair with 69% of the vote, while Sandoval County Republican Party Chair Mike Nelson took second vice chair with 41%. The congressional district party vice chair race saw Sharon Clahchischilliage defeating Española City Councilor Sam LeDoux.

Outgoing party chair Steve Pearce praised the new leadership, expressing confidence in their ability to continue working toward the party’s long-term goals of making New Mexico a Republican stronghold.

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