New Mexico Senate Republicans have chosen Senator William Sharer from Farmington as their new Senate Minority Leader. This decision was made during a call of Republican senators, where Sharer, along with Senator Pat Woods and Senator David Gallegos, were nominated and elected by acclamation to leadership positions.

Senator-elect Jim Townsend stated, "There was a lot of unity within the caucus." Sharer takes over from Senator Greg Baca, who chose not to seek reelection in Senate District 29.

Sharer expressed his commitment to leading the caucus with unity and conservative principles. "I intend to usher in an era of unity and conservative principles to the Senate Republican Caucus. The overtaxed and hardworking men and women will have a voice in this caucus," he said. He criticized progressives for creating a hostile business climate and called for educational reform in New Mexico. "We will act to bring New Mexico back from the brink with conservative solutions and leadership," he added.

Sharer's background includes service as a U.S. Army officer and running a business in Farmington. Elected to the Senate in 2000, he has served six terms representing San Juan County's Senate District 1.

Senator Pat Woods has been appointed as minority whip, becoming the second-ranking Republican in the Senate. Woods emphasized defending rights such as lower taxes, parental rights, Second Amendment rights, and holding criminals accountable.

David Gallegos is now serving as the Republican Caucus Chair. A member of several committees, Gallegos has defended the oil and gas industry while opposing abortion rights. He stressed engaging Hispanic voters into the Republican camp: “We wish to govern in a way that welcomes these voters.” He also highlighted border security as a critical issue for New Mexicans.

The recent elections saw Republicans gain one seat in the Senate but Democrats maintain a majority with 27 seats against 15 for Republicans. The next session of the Senate will begin on January 21.