New Mexico State Senate
General Information
Party control:	Democrat
Session start:	January 20, 2026
Session end:	February 19, 2026
Term length:	4 years
Term limits:	None
Redistricting:	Legislature-dominant
Salary:	$0/year + per diem
Members
Total:	42
Democrats:	26
Republicans:	16
Other:	0 (independent)
Vacancies:	0
Leadership
President:	Howie Morales (D)
Maj. Leader:	Peter Wirth (D)
Min. Leader:	William Sharer (R)
Elections
Last election:	November 5, 2024
Next election:	November 7, 2028

TheNew Mexico State Senate is theupper chamber of theNew Mexico State Legislature. Alongside theNew Mexico House of Representatives, it forms the legislative branch of the New Mexico state government and works alongside thegovernor of New Mexico to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the New Mexico State Senate include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

The New Mexico State Senate meets in the state capitol building inSanta Fe, New Mexico.

This page contains the following information on the New Mexico State Senate.

• Which partycontrols the chamber
• The chamber'scurrent membership
• Partisan control of the chamberover time
• Elections in the chamber and how vacancies are filled
• Adistrict map
• Howredistricting works in the state
• Legislation currently under consideration
• Legislative session dates
• Legislative procedures, such as veto overrides and the state budget process
• A list ofcommittees

Party control

Current partisan control

The table below shows the partisan breakdown of the New Mexico State Senate as of February 2026:

Members

Leadership

The lieutenant governor of New Mexico is the presiding officer of the Senate and in that capacity is referred to as president of the Senate. However, the lieutenant governor can only vote in the case of a tie. The Senate Committees' Committee exercises leadership and administrative control of the Senate. The committee is chaired by the president pro tempore and is made up of majority and minorityleaders.^[1][2]

Leadership and members

• Senate president:Howie Morales (D)
• President Pro Tem:Mimi Stewart (D)
• Majority leader:Peter Wirth (D)
• Minority leader:William Sharer (R)

Salaries

See also:Comparison of state legislative salaries

Swearing in dates

See also:When state legislators assume office after a general election

New Mexico legislators assume office ​on the first day of January after a general election.^[4]

Membership qualifications

See also:State legislature candidate requirements by state

Article 4, Section 3 of theNew Mexico Constitution states:^[5]

The New Mexico State Legislature states that individuals must be U.S. citizens.^[7]

When signing the declaration of candidacy, candidates must affirm that they are registered to vote.^[8]

Historical party control

Democrats won control of the New Mexico State Senate in 1988. In2024, they won a 26-16 majority.

The table below shows the partisan history of the New Mexico Senate following every general election from 1992 to 2024. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin'sParty Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.

Trifecta history

Astate government trifecta is a term that describes single-party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government. Between 1992 and 2023, New Mexico was under the following types of trifecta control:

• Democratic trifecta: 1992-1994, 2003-2010, 2019-2023
• Republican trifecta: None
• Divided government: 1995-2002, 2011-2018

Elections

Elections by year

New Mexico state senators serve four-year terms, with all seats up for election every four years. New Mexico holds elections for its legislature in even years.

2024

See also:New Mexico State Senate elections, 2024

Elections for theNew Mexico State Senate took place in 2024. The general election was onNovember 5, 2024. The primary wasJune 4, 2024. The filing deadline wasMarch 12, 2024.

2020

See also:New Mexico State Senate elections, 2020

Elections for the office ofNew Mexico State Senate took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for June 2, 2020. The filing deadline was March 10, 2020.

Heading into the election, Democrats held a 26-16 majority. Democrats gained a net one seat from Republicans, expanding their majority to 27-15.

2016

See also:New Mexico State Senate elections, 2016

Elections for theNew Mexico State Senate took place in 2016. The primary election took place on June 7, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was March 8, 2016. All42 seats in theNew Mexico State Senate were up for election in 2016.

TheNew Mexico State Senate was one of 20battleground chambers in 2016. Democrats gained a 26-16 majority as a result of the 2016 elections.

Click [show] to see election information dating back to 2000

2012 See also:New Mexico State Senate elections, 2012 Elections for the office of the New Mexico State Senate took place in 2012. The primary election was held on June 5, 2012, and the general election was held onNovember 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was February 14, 2012. All 42 seats in theNew Mexico State Senate were up for election in 2012. Heading into the election, Democrats held a 28-14 majority. Democrats lost three seats in the election, giving them a 25-17 majority. New Mexico State Senate Party As of November 5, 2012 After the 2012 Election      Democratic Party 28 25      Republican Party 14 17 Total 42 42 The table below details the 10 districts with the smallest margin of victory in the November 6 general election in 2012. 2012 Margin of Victory, New Mexico State Senate District Winner Margin of Victory Total Votes Top Opponent District 9 John Sapien 0.7% 23,147 David Doyle District 18 Lisa Torraco 3.6% 23,340 Bill G. Tallman District 37 William P. Soules 4.3% 17,887 Cathey Jo Alberson District 32 Cliff R. Pirtle 4.5% 11,348 Timothy Jennings District 15 Daniel Ivey-Soto 5.8% 20,660 H. Diane Snyder District 30 Clemente Sanchez 6.1% 16,677 Vickie Perea District 36 Lee S. Cotter 7.8% 16,972 Mary Jane Garcia District 10 John Ryan 8.6% 18,537 Joseph J. Carraro District 40 Craig W. Brandt 10.6% 18,051 Linda M. Allison District 39 Phil Griego 10.6% 18,343 Aubrey Dunn During the2012 election, the total value of contributions to the 94 Senate candidates was $5,111,892. The top 10 contributors were:[9] 2012 Donors, New Mexico State Senate Donor Amount Curtis, Lisa $302,729 Eichenberg, Tim $152,268 New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association $79,000 New Mexico Realtors Association $54,700 Jennings, Timothy $50,600 Padilla, Michael $42,631 Dunn, Aubrey $37,249 Independent Community Bankers Association Of New Mexico $34,750 Collins, Randolph $34,590 Conservation Voters New Mexico $31,921 2008 See also:New Mexico State Senate elections, 2008 Elections for the office of the New Mexico State Senate consisted of a primary election on June 3, 2008, and a general election on November 4, 2008. The candidate filing deadline was March 18, 2008. All 42 seats in theNew Mexico State Senate were up for election in 2008. During the 2008 election, the total value of contributions to the Senate candidates was $4,353,112. The top 10 contributors were:[10] 2008 Donors, New Mexico State Senate Donor Amount Eichenberg, Tim $138,099 Lago LLC $125,000 New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association $73,650 Conservation Voters New Mexico $73,030 Padilla, Michael $70,472 Conservatives for a Republican Majority $64,367 Fischmann, Steve $59,577 Cmte to Elect Senate Democrats $58,147 McMinn, Rory $53,877 New Mexico Medical Society $50,450 2004 See also:New Mexico State Senate elections, 2004 Elections for the office of the New Mexico State Senate consisted of a primary election on June 1, 2004, and a general election on November 2, 2004. All 42 seats in theNew Mexico State Senate were up for election in 2004. During the 2004 election, the total value of contributions to the Senate candidates was $2,464,793. The top 10 contributors were:[11] 2004 Donors, New Mexico State Senate Donor Amount Moving America Forward $112,735 New Mexico Democratic Legislative Campaign Cmte $46,131 New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association/Cmte on Individual Responsibility $35,350 Moving America Forward $32,259 Association of Commerce & Industry of New Mexico $27,500 PNM Resources $26,850 New Mexico Automotive Dealers Association/Car of New Mexico $23,800 Altria $23,200 Diamond, Jeffrey B $20,975 Presbyterian Health Plan $20,400 2000 See also:New Mexico State Senate elections, 2000 Elections for the office of the New Mexico State Senate consisted of a primary election on June 6, 2000, and a general election on November 7, 2000. All 42 seats in theNew Mexico State Senate were up for election in 2000. During the 2000 election, the total value of contributions to the Senate candidates was $3,276,213. The top 10 contributors were:[12] 2000 Donors, New Mexico State Senate Donor Amount New Mexico Democratic Legislative Campaign Cmte $225,061 Democratic Congressional Campaign Cmte $75,000 New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association/Cmte on Individual Responsibility $74,610 New Mexico Republican Party $68,175 Griego, Phil $50,000 Loan Contribution $50,000 National Republican Senatorial Cmte/NRSC $45,000 Gorham, Frank D $40,000 National Republican Senatorial Cmte $40,000 New Mexico Medical Society $37,200

Vacancies

See also:How vacancies are filled in state legislatures

If there is a vacancy in theNew Mexico State Legislature, the board of county commissioners is responsible for filling the vacancy. There are no deadlines set byArticle IV, Section 4 of theNew Mexico Constitution, which governs legislative vacancies. If the legislative district spans more than one county, the boards of county commissioners each submit one name to the governor, who appoints a candidate from the list.^[13] The appointed replacement serves for the remainder of the unfilled term.^[14]

See sources:New Mexico Const. Art. 4, Sec. 4

District map

See also:New Mexico state legislative districts

The state of New Mexico has 112 legislative districts. Each district elects one representative. The state Senate has 42 districts and the state House has 70 districts.

Use the interactive map below to find your district.

Redistricting

See also:Redistricting in New Mexico

In New Mexico, congressional and state legislative district boundaries are drawn by thestate legislature. These lines are subject to veto by thegovernor.^[15]

State statutes require that state legislative districts be contiguous and compact. Redistricting guidelines adopted in 2011 suggest that congressional and state legislative districts meet the following criteria:^[15]

1. All districts should be "reasonably compact."
2. Districts should "not split voting precincts."
3. Districts should "attempt to preserve communities of interest and take into consideration political and geographic boundaries."

These guidelines are nonbinding and may be altered by the legislature at its discretion.^[15]

On April 6, 2021, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) signed SB304 into law, forming a seven-member advisory redistricting commission. The legislation bars public officials, candidates, political party officeholders, federal legislative or state employees, and the relatives of federal or state officeholders from serving on the commission. The commission's proposals do not bind the state legislature, which retains the authority to adopt, amend, or discard the proposals as it sees fit.^[16]

2020

See also:Redistricting in New Mexico after the 2020 census

Gov.Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) signed a new state House map into law on December 29, 2021, and a new state Senate map on January 6, 2022. These maps took effect for New Mexico's 2022 legislative elections. The state House approved the House map bill 43-23 on December 10, 2021, and the state Senate approved the bill 24-13 on December 16, 2021.^[17] The state Senate approved the Senate map 25-13 on December 16, and the state House approved the map 38-22 on December 17.^[18]

District map after 2020 redistricting

Click here to view the map. This map took effect for New Mexico's 2022 legislative elections.

2010

See also:Redistricting in New Mexico after the 2010 census

New Mexico received its local census data on March 15, 2011, the state grew 13.2 percent from 2000 to 2010. All of its most populous cities grew: Albuquerque grew by 21.7 percent, Las Cruces grew by 31.4 percent, Rio Rancho grew by 69.1 percent, Santa Fe grew by 9.2 percent, and Roswell grew by 6.8 percent.^[19]

At the time of redistricting, Democrats controlled the Legislature while GovernorSusana Martinez was a Republican. The interim committee reviewed eight House maps and nine Senate maps before the special redistricting session of the Legislature began on September 6, 2011. On September 21, the Senate passed a map on party lines, with the House following the next day. Governor Martinez (R) vetoed the maps on October 7, and the issue was sent to the New Mexico Supreme Court where a new map was adopted on January 16, 2012.^[20][21]

Sessions

Legislation

The legislation tracker below displays all legislation that the New Mexico State Senate has approved in its most recent legislative session—this includes legislation that has been sent from the Senate to the House and legislation that has already been approved by the House and signed by the governor after its passage in the Senate. The table below includes the bill number, its name, progress, most recent action date, and sponsor. Scroll up and down and side to side to see more. Click the bill number to read the bill text and see its voting history. Click the headings to sort the content. Rearrange the order of the headings by clicking and dragging them. Click the magnifying glass in the bottom left corner to search for specific terms. The legislation tracker is maintained and updated byBillTrack50.

Dates of legislative sessions in New Mexico by year

2025

See also:2025 New Mexico legislative session andDates of 2025 state legislative sessions

In 2025, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 21, 2025, and adjourn on March 22, 2025.

Click [show] for past years' session dates.

2024 See also:2024 New Mexico legislative session andDates of 2024 state legislative sessions In 2024, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 16, 2024, and adjourn on February 15, 2024. 2023 See also:2023 New Mexico legislative session andDates of 2023 state legislative sessions In 2023, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 17, 2023, and adjourn on March 18, 2023. 2022 See also:2022 New Mexico legislative session andDates of 2022 state legislative sessions In 2022, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 18, 2022, and adjourn on February 17, 2022. 2021 See also:2021 New Mexico legislative session andDates of 2021 state legislative sessions In 2021, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 19, 2021, and adjourn on March 20, 2021. 2020 See also:2020 New Mexico legislative session andDates of 2020 state legislative sessions In 2020, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 21, 2020, and adjourn on February 20, 2020. Effect of coronavirus pandemic See also:Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020 Coronavirus pandemic Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more. Political responses overviewState reopening plansDocumenting America's Path to RecoveryElection changesChanges to vote-by-mail and absentee voting proceduresFederal responsesState responsesState executive ordersStay-at-home ordersMultistate agreementsNon-governmental reopening plansEvictions and foreclosures policiesTravel restrictionsEnacted state legislationState legislative session changesSchool closuresState court closuresInmate releasesLocal government responsesDiagnosed or quarantined politiciansBallot measure changesArguments about government responsesThe 1918 influenza pandemicPandemic Response Accountability CommitteeUnemployment filingsLawsuitsBallotpedia's polling on the coronavirus pandemicSubmit Several state legislatures had their sessions impacted as a result of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. 2019 See also:2019 New Mexico legislative session andDates of 2019 state legislative sessions In 2019, the legislature was in session from January 15, 2019, through March 16, 2019. 2018 See also:2018 New Mexico legislative session andDates of 2018 state legislative sessions In 2018, the legislature was in session from January 16, 2018, through February 15, 2018. To read about notable events and legislation from this session, clickhere. 2017 See also:Dates of 2017 state legislative sessions In 2017, the legislature was in session from January 17, 2017, through March 18, 2017. A special session was held from May 24 to May 30 to address the budget dispute between Gov.Susana Martinez (R) and the legislature. Click [show] to read about the 2017 special legislative session. In March, the Democratic Party-controlled legislature sent a $6.1 billion budget to Martinez that included spending and tax increases. The next month, Martinez used line-item vetoes to reject the tax increases, defund the legislature, and cut $745 million in funding for state universities and community colleges. Leadership in the legislature responded by filing a lawsuit, arguing that Martinez had overstepped her constitutional authority with the line-item vetoes. Oral arguments for the case were originally scheduled to begin at theNew Mexico Supreme Court on May 15, but the court elected to not proceed with the case. In a two-page order, the court stated that the case was “not ripe for review” and also noted that Martinez had called for a special legislative session.[22] The special legislative session ended as the legislature and governor reached an agreement on legislation to restore funding to the legislature and education in the state. On the first day of the special session, both chambers attempted and failed to override Martinez’s vetoes. TheHouse voted 39-29, seven short of the 46 votes needed. TheSenate voted 26-15, two short of the 28 that were needed. Democrats have a 38-32 majority in the House and a 26-16 majority in the Senate. Both chambers passed a new spending plan that borrowed and reallocated funds from suspended infrastructure projects to cover funding for higher education and the legislative branch. TheHouse approved the plan 46-20, while theSenate approved it 37-4. Martinez signed the legislation related to funding for education and the Legislature but vetoed additional proposals to increase taxes in the state. Democrats in the Legislature made no attempt to override the vetoes. New Mexico’s finalized 2017 spending plan amounted to $6.1 billion, which was roughly $133 million more than what the state was projected to receive in revenues, according toThe Albuquerque Journal. The money to make up that gap was expected to come from revenues left over from 2016—about $167 million.[23] 2016 See also:Dates of 2016 state legislative sessions In 2016, the legislature was in session from January 19 through February 18. 2015 See also:Dates of 2015 state legislative sessions In 2015, the legislature was in session from January 20 through March 21. A one-day special session took place on June 8.[24] Major issues in 2015 Major issues during the 2015 legislative session included makingNew Mexico a right-to-work state, repeal of drivers licenses for the undocumented, and an increase in the minimum wage.[25] 2014 See also:Dates of 2014 state legislative sessions In 2014, the legislature was in session from January 21 through February 20. Major issues in 2014 Major issues during the 2014 legislative session included the economy, the budget, infrastructure, and education.[26] 2013 See also:Dates of 2013 state legislative sessions In 2013, the legislature was in session from January 15 to March 16. Major issues in 2013 Major issues in the 2013 legislative session included education, solvency of the state's public retirement system, tax cuts for state businesses, and tougher anti-DWI laws.[27] 2012 See also:Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 17 through February 16. Major issues in 2012 In their 30-day session the legislature considered drivers licenses for illegal immigrants, voter identification, business income tax, ethics reform, and defining homeowner rights in foreclosure proceedings.[28] Gov.Susana Martinez (R) watched as the state legislature ended its session by rejecting a bill that would have repealed the law allowing drivers licenses to be issued to people without Social Security numbers. It was the third time she tried to undo the law. The bill was initially passed by theHouse but defeated in theSenate. The Senate instead passed a measure shortening how long the licenses are valid and imposing harsher penalties on those committing fraud.[29] 2011 In 2011, the legislature was in session from January 18 through March 19.[30] 2010 In 2010, the legislature was in session from January 19 to February 18. Additionally, the legislature convened a special session from March 1 to March 4.[31]

About legislative sessions in New Mexico

TheTenth Amendment of theU.S. Constitution declares that any power not already given to the federal government is reserved to the states and the people.^[32] State governments across the country use this authority to hold legislative sessions where a state's elected representatives meet for a period of time to draft and vote on legislation and set state policies on issues such as taxation, education, and government spending. The different types of legislation passed by a legislature may include resolutions,legislatively referred constitutional amendments, and bills that become law.

Article IV of the New Mexico Constitution establishes when theNew Mexico State Legislature, of which the Senate is a part, is to be in session. Section 5 of Article IV states that the Legislature is to convene its annual regular session on the third Tuesday of January. In odd-numbered years, the Legislature is to be in session for no longer than sixty days. In even-numbered years, the Legislature is to be in session for no longer than thirty days. In even-numbered years, the Legislature is limited to dealing with budgetary matters, bills that deal with issues raised by special messages of theGovernor of New Mexico, and bills vetoed in the previous session by the Governor.

Section 6 of Article IV allows theGovernor of New Mexico to call special sessions of the Legislature. Section 6 also allows the Legislature to meet in special session when three-fifths of each house petition the Governor with a request for a special session. Special sessions are not to exceed thirty days in length.

Legislative roles and procedures

Every state legislature throughout the country features its own internal procedures that it uses to govern itself and how it interacts with other parts of state government. Ballotpedia's coverage of internal state legislative procedures includesveto overrides,the role of the legislature in the state budget,procedures for filling membership vacancies, andredistricting.

Veto overrides

See also:Veto overrides in state legislatures

State legislatures can override governors' vetoes. Depending on the state, this can be done during the regular legislative session, in a special session following the adjournment of the regular session, or during the next legislative session. The rules for legislative overrides of gubernatorial vetoes in New Mexico are listed below.

How many legislators are required to vote for an override? Two-thirds of members present in both chambers.

How can vetoes be overridden after the legislature has adjourned?

Authority:Article IV, Section 22 of theNew Mexico Constitution.

Role in state budget

See also:New Mexico state budget and finances

New Mexicoon

Check outBallotpedia articles about policy in your state on:

Budgets •Civil liberties •Education •Elections •Energy •Environment •Healthcare •Pensions

New Mexico operates on an annual budget cycle, with each fiscal year beginning in July. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:^[34]

1. Budget instructions are sent to state agencies byJune 15.
2. State agencies submit their budget requests bySeptember 1.
3. Public hearings are held fromSeptember through December.
4. Thegovernor submits his or her budget proposal to theNew Mexico State Legislature onJanuary 5 or January 10.
5. The legislature adopts a budget inFebruary orMarch. A simple majority is required to pass a budget.

New Mexico is one of 44 states in which the governor hasline item veto authority.^[34][35]

The governor is statutorily required to submit a balanced budget. Likewise, the legislature is statutorily required to pass a balanced budget.^[34]

Committees

See also:List of committees in New Mexico state government

Every state legislature and state legislative chamber in the country contains several legislative committees. These committees are responsible for studying, amending, and voting on legislation before it reaches the floor of a chamber for a full vote. The different types of committees include standing committees, select or special, and joint.

• Standing committees are generally permanent committees, the names of which sometimes change from session to session.
• Select or special committees are temporary committees formed to deal with specific issues such as recent legislation, major public policy or proposals, or investigations.
• Joint committees are committees that feature members of both chambers of a legislature.

Ballotpedia covers standing and joint committees. The New Mexico State Senate has nine standing committees:

Constitutional amendments

In every state but Delaware, voter approval is required to enact a constitutional amendment. In each state, the legislature has a process forreferring constitutional amendments before voters. In 18 states,initiated constitutional amendments can be put on the ballot through a signature petition drive. There are alsomany other types of statewide measures.

The methods in which the New Mexico Constitution can be amended:

See also:Article XIX of the New Mexico Constitution andLaws governing ballot measures in New Mexico

TheNew Mexico Constitution provides two mechanisms for amending the state's constitution—a legislative process and a state constitutional convention.

Legislature

See also:Legislatively referred constitutional amendment

A simple majority vote is required during one legislative session for theNew Mexico State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 36 votes in theNew Mexico House of Representatives and 22 votes in theNew Mexico State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.

Convention

See also:Convention-referred constitutional amendment

Atwo-thirds (66.67%) vote is required during one legislative session of the state legislature to place a constitutional convention question on the ballot. A convention is held if the question receives a simple majority of the vote. Voters must also ratify amendments proposed by the convention.

See also

Elections	New Mexico State Government	State Legislatures	State Politics
New Mexico State Senate elections, 2024 New Mexico State Senate elections, 2020 New Mexico State Senate elections, 2016	New Mexico State Legislature New Mexico House of Representatives Governor of New Mexico New Mexico Supreme Court	State legislative elections:2024,2023,2022,2021,2020,2019, and2018	State government trifectas State government triplexes State executives State courts Ballot measures The State Legislative Decade

External links

• New Mexico State Legislature

Footnotes

	v • e State ofNew Mexico Santa Fe (capital)
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