TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES - On December 7, 2024, the Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) held its 2024 Biennial Convention at the Civic Center in Truth or Consequences. During this convention, the State Central Committee (SCC) elected the officers who would lead the Party for the next two years. The new term for the officers will begin immediately and will cover 2025 and 2026.

The SCC voted to choose the State Chair, 1st Vice-Chair, 2nd Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, CD-1 Vice-Chair, CD-2 Vice-Chair, and CD-3 Vice-Chair.

Votes were cast by paper ballot and hand-counted on-site.

The results are as follows:

State Chair:

Amy Barela- 157  Winner

John Brenna- 58

Robert Kwasny- 3

Mark Murton- 46

Mick Rich- 44

1st Vice-Chair:

Leanna Derrick- 40

Gary Person- 54

Hessel Yntema- 214  Winner

2nd Vice-Chair:

Craig Degenhardt- 90

Andrea Moore- 90

Mike Nelson- 127  Winner

Secretary:

Kathleen Apodaca- uncontested  Winner

Treasurer:

Kim Skaggs- uncontested  Winner

CD-1 Vice-Chair:

Joshua Neal- uncontested  Winner

CD-2 Vice-Chair:

Julianne Stroup- uncontested  Winner

CD-3 Vice-Chair:

Sharon Clahchischilliage- 67  Winner

Sam LeDoux- 33

Steve Pearce, the outgoing RPNM Chairman, issued the following statement:

“I offer my sincere congratulations to the new RPNM Officers. We have a strong and committed team of leaders and fighters who will continue the hard work of turning New Mexico red for the long term. The future of the Republican Party of New Mexico is bright, and I eagerly anticipate the results of their efforts as we look towards 2026 and beyond.”

Pearce continued, “I dearly loved the opportunity to serve and fight for the people of New Mexico. I am deeply grateful to the Republican Party of New Mexico for the opportunity to serve as Chairman for three terms. Serving as Chairman has been both a privilege and an honor. I remain committed to advocating for the Republican Party and the values we represent. I will continue to stay involved and offer my assistance to the new leadership in any way I can.”