State legislature change in leadership

The New Mexico Legislature elected last week not only will have far more new members than usual when it convenes in Santa Fe early next year, it also will have new leaders in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. 

The fact that there will be an opening for House speaker has been known since January, when longtime Speaker Ben Luján, announced he wouldn’t seek re-election due to his struggle with lung cancer. 

The speakership generally is considered the most powerful post in the Legislature. 

Then, last week, Senate President Pro Tem Sen. Tim Jennings was defeated for re-election by Republican Cliff Pirtle.

 At least two senators — Carlos Cisneros, D-Questa, and Linda Lopez, D-Albuquerque — have said they are interested in the position. 

State legislature change in leadership