Republican minority in New Mexico House choose new leader
SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico House Republicans, who lost multiple seats in this month’s election, have chosen a new minority leader.
Rep. James Townsend of Artesia was elected Sunday to lead Republican lawmakers.
Republicans came away with 24 seats in the 70-member chamber after the Nov. 6 election. It’s the party’s smallest House caucus since 1996.
Townsend, a 63-year-old retired oil industry executive, replaces House Minority Leader Nate Gentry, who did not run for re-election.
Majority Democrats plan to nominate Brian Egolf of Santa Fe to continue as House speaker when the session begins in January.

