November 7 – Senator Bill Sharer of Farmington becomes the next minority leader of the New Mexico Senate.
Sharer was elected unanimously Thursday, Senate Republicans said in a news release. He replaces Sen. Greg Baca, R-Belen, who did not run for re-election this year.
Sharer, who has served in the Legislature since 2001, said he was honored to be chosen for the position.
“I intend to usher in an era of unity and conservative principles for the Senate Republican caucus,” he said in a statement. “The overburdened and hardworking men and women of New Mexico will have a voice in this caucus. This is not the time to stand idly by.”
Sharer, known for his filibusters, fired a shot at progressives, saying they have run New Mexico into the ground and created a climate hostile to business.
“We will take action to bring New Mexico back from the brink with conservative solutions and leadership,” he said.
Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, said he congratulated Sharer and wished him well.
“Senator Sharer and I have a good relationship and, assuming my colleagues in the Democratic caucus elect me to continue my role as majority leader, I look forward to working with him to maintain the productivity and collegiality that the New Mexico State Senate known for. ” he said in a statement.
Republicans also selected Sen. Pat Woods, R-Broadview, as minority whip, and Sen. David Gallegos, R-Eunice, as caucus chairman.
The Senate GOP struck an optimistic note in its statement; Woods alluded to Republican victories in Tuesday’s election, saying the election “will have ramifications for New Mexico.” Gallegos said Republicans hope to bring “traditional Hispanic voters,” whom he described as “conservative, pro-family voters,” into the Republican coalition.
“We must also get serious about the border crisis, which is the most important issue facing all New Mexicans right now, and start enacting reforms similar to those being made in Texas to address the wave of crime and drugs hitting our state infect,” Gallegos said. .
Follow Daniel J. Chacón on Twitter @danieljchacon.
