The Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) held its 2024 Biennial Convention at the Civic Center in Truth or Consequences on December 7. During the convention, the State Central Committee (SCC) elected new officers to lead the party for the next two years. The new leadership term will commence immediately and cover 2025 and 2026.
The SCC elected several positions, including State Chair, 1st Vice-Chair, 2nd Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, CD-1 Vice-Chair, CD-2 Vice-Chair, and CD-3 Vice-Chair. Voting was conducted via paper ballots and counted by hand on-site.
The results were announced as follows:
Drew Degner CD-3 Vice Chair
| Republican Party of New Mexico
For State Chair: Amy Barela won with 157 votes. Other candidates included John Brenna with 58 votes, Robert Kwasny with 3 votes, Mark Murton with 46 votes, and Mick Rich with 44 votes.
Hessel Yntema was elected as the 1st Vice-Chair with 214 votes. Other candidates were Leanna Derrick with 40 votes and Gary Person with 54 votes.
Mike Nelson secured the position of 2nd Vice-Chair with a total of 127 votes against Craig Degenhardt and Andrea Moore who both received equal support of 90 votes each.
Kathleen Apodaca ran uncontested for Secretary and was declared the winner.
Kim Skaggs also ran uncontested for Treasurer and won.
Joshua Neal was unopposed for CD-1 Vice-Chair and declared winner. Similarly, Julianne Stroup won uncontested for CD-2 Vice-Chair. Sharon Clahchischilliage won the position of CD-3 Vice-Chair over Sam LeDoux who garnered only half her total at a vote count of 33 compared to her winning tally of 67.
Outgoing RPNM Chairman Steve Pearce expressed his congratulations to the newly elected officers stating: “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."
Pearce further stated: “I dearly loved the opportunity to serve and fight for the people of New Mexico... Serving as Chairman has been both a privilege and an honor.” He affirmed his continued commitment to supporting Republican values in New Mexico alongside offering assistance to incoming leadership whenever needed.
