Otero County commissioner elected to head New Mexico GOP

The Republican Party of New Mexico chose its vice chair to take over the lead role during the party’s convention Saturday in Truth or Consequences.

RPNM Vice Chair Amy Barela, an Otero County commissioner, was named state GOP chair after receiving almost three times as many votes, 157 to 58, from the State Central Committee as her closest challenger, John Brenna, the current Valencia County GOP chairman.

Members of the central committee voted by paper ballots, which were counted on-site at the Civic Center in Truth or Consequences. The central committee also voted to choose the state vice chairs, secretary, treasurer and vice chairs for the three congressional districts.

Barela told the Journal she is “honored to be able to serve all of our New Mexicans in this position.” She said she is planning structural changes within the party “so we have full transparency and participation” with members of the State Central Committee.

Barela also said she wants to “build unity” within the party and increase its visibility.

“We’re going to go into areas of the state that we have never been,” she said. “My motto is ‘be where you’re not,’ and people are going to see RPNM where they have never seen it before.”

Barela has been an Otero County commissioner since 2022, when she filled the seat left by Couy Griffin, who was banished from public office by state courts after being convicted on a federal charge of aiding in the insurrection at the nation’s Capitol. Barela successfully ran for RPNM vice chair a year into her time as commissioner.

Barela will take over the top spot from Steve Pearce, who was first elected state chair in 2018. Pearce, 77, a former congressman and state representative who was raised in Hobbs, announced earlier he was stepping down.

Pearce, in a statement, said serving as chairman for three terms was “both a privilege and an honor.” He congratulated Barela, the new vice chairs and other RPNM officers elected Saturday.

“The future of the Republican Party of New Mexico is bright, and I eagerly anticipate the results of their efforts as we look towards 2026 and beyond,” Pearce said. “I dearly loved the opportunity to serve and fight for the people of New Mexico. ... I will continue to stay involved and offer my assistance to the new leadership in any way I can.”

Aside from Barela and Brenna, four others had been in the running to replace Pearce: Robert Kwasny, who lost a bid for Bernalillo County clerk in the Republican primary; former Army officer Mark Murton; and Mick Rich, who made an unsuccessful bid for Senate in 2018. State Sen. Joshua Sanchez of Bosque withdrew his candidacy for the position last week.

On Saturday, members of the central committee also elected Hessel Yntema as 1st vice chair, Mike Nelson as 2nd vice chair, and Sharon Clahchischilliage as vice chair of Congressional District 3.

Running unopposed, Kathleen Apodaca was elected RPNM secretary, Joshua Neal as vice chair of Congressional District 1, and Julianne Stroup as vice chair of Congressional District 2.

Barela told the Journal she had just finished her first meeting as state chair with the newly elected officers early Saturday evening.

“We’re going to build a great team and we’re going to have an action plan by January and we’re just going to start turning the state red,” Barela said.