Martínez retained as Speaker, Committee Chairs announced, and new members sworn in
as House Democrats begin session focused on public safety, child well-being, and affordability

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today at Noon, the New Mexico House of Representatives called to order the first session of its 57th Legislature. House Democrats' priorities for the 60-day session include improving public safety, supporting the well-being of New Mexico's children, relieving the financial pressures on working families, and ensuring all New Mexicans have access to healthcare, housing, and economic opportunities.

"The decisions we make in the Roundhouse have a real impact on New Mexico families," saidSpeaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque), who was re-elected to his leadership position in today's opening session. "We are not here to govern by election cycle or score political points. We are here to solve the problems facing our people, deliver the resources our communities need, and prepare our state for a brighter future."

To help relieve the financial pressures on New Mexico's working families, House Democrats will focus on expanding access to affordable housing and healthcare, while also reducing taxes for the middle class.

House and Senate Democrats are also working together on a robust slate of legislation to improve community safety by reducing gun violence, deterring violent crime, and making record investments in substance use and behavioral health programs to give New Mexicans the help they need when they need it. These proposals include a $200 million down payment to expand the state's behavioral healthcare capacity.

To better protect the well-being of children in our state, House Democrats will push for necessary reforms at the Children, Youth, and Families Department, including the creation of an independent Office of the Child Advocate within the New Mexico Department of Justice.

Other priorities for House Democrats in this session include addressing the impacts of climate change, investing in cradle-to-career education, and safeguarding New Mexicans' rights and freedoms.

New Representatives sworn in during today's Opening Day ceremonies include Democratic Reps. Michelle Paulene Abeyta (D-To'hajiilee), Marianna Anaya (D-Albuquerque), Anita Gonzales (D-Las Vegas), Joseph Hernandez (D-Shiprock), Sarah Silva (D-Las Cruces), and E. Diane Torrez-Velásquez (D-Albuquerque).

The Speaker also announced House Committee Chairs (full list below), amidst a packed house of dignitaries from across the state.

The Roundhouse is open to the public for the 2025 session. Members of the public can also view floor sessions and committee meetings on the New Mexico Legislature's Webcasts tab, and provide comment via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.