NM Senate Republicans pick William Sharer as minority floor leader in leadership shakeup

SANTA FE — After picking up one seat in this week’s general election, New Mexico Senate Republicans on Thursday voted to elevate longtime legislator William Sharer of Farmington to the post of minority floor leader.

Caucus members, who met remotely due to adverse weather conditions, also picked Sen. Pat Woods of Broadview as GOP whip and Sen. David Gallegos of Eunice as caucus chairman.

The leadership team, which was approved by acclamation, represents a wholesale change from the past four years.

Sen. Gregory Baca, R-Belen, who had been Senate minority leader since 2020, did not seek reelection this year. Sen. Craig Brandt of Rio Rancho won reelection to a new four-year term on Tuesday but did not retain his leadership post as Republican whip.

The caucus elections came after Republicans ate into Democrats’ majority in the Senate in this week’s general election.

After picking up two Democratic-held seats — and losing one seat — they will be outnumbered by a 26-16 margin once the 60-day legislative session begins in January.

Sharer, who has served in the Senate since 2001, is known at the Roundhouse as a loquacious conservative who has at times launched lengthy filibusters in attempts to delay or prevent votes on Democratic-backed bills.

He said in a Thursday interview with the Journal that he hopes to forge a culture of cordiality with top-ranking Senate Democrats.

“We can disagree on things, but we don’t have to do it personally,” Sharer said.

He also cited crime, schools and the deterioration of families as among his top priorities as the Senate’s top Republican.

“We are prepared to fight gallantly on some issues, but we are also prepared to link arms and work together when we can,” Sharer said, referring to majority Democrats.

In past legislative sessions, Sharer has been a staunch opponent of bills dealing with abortion rights and same-sex marriage.

During the 2023 debate on the Senate floor on a bill blocking local anti-abortion ordinances, Sharer suggested the bill as written could allow for infanticide.

Woods, the new Senate GOP whip, is a rancher who has served in the Senate since 2012 and is also known as a hardline conservative.

Meanwhile, Democrats are expected to hold their own closed-door caucus meeting to vote on leadership positions in the coming weeks.

Senate Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, and Senate Majority Whip Michael Padilla, D-Albuquerque, won their reelection races this week.

Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, an Albuquerque Democrat, was also elected to a new term. The Senate will vote on whether to keep Stewart in her current leadership role once the session gets underway.