Redistricting complete in New Mexico after Gov. Lujan Grisham approves senate map changes

Changes to New Mexico’s legislative boundaries were complete Jan. 6 after Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a bill updating New Mexico’s state senate districts.

Introduced during a special session of the New Mexico Legislature in December 2021, Senate Bill 2 (SB 2) was crafted by Sen. Linda Lopez (D-11) and Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto (D-15) based on 2020 Census data.

According to the New Mexico Legislature’s website, the bill was introduced Dec. 8. Substitute bills were introduced Dec. 12 and Dec. 15 in the Senate Judiciary Committee and on the New Mexico Senate floor respectively.

The New Mexico Senate passed the revised measure 25 to 13 on Dec. 16. A day later the New Mexico House passed the measure 38 to 22.

“I am grateful to the community leaders from across the state that held their ground for a representative map respectful of New Mexico communities large and small alike, ensuring that New Mexicans are fairly represented in the state Senate,” said Lujan Grisham in a news release.

More:SENM Senators say rural New Mexico shutout in redistricting

The governor previously signed legislation updating the maps for New Mexico’s congressional districts, state house districts, and the districts of the state Public Education Commission.

The Republican Party of New Mexico said all maps approved by the governor were “blatant gerrymandering.”

“As Democrats seek to seize even more power across the state,” said Mike Curtis, party spokesperson.

Legislators appointed a non-partisan Citizen Redistricting Committee (CRC) to develop and process district maps for U.S. House, New Mexico House and Senate and Public Education Commission.

CRC held numerous meetings across New Mexico in late 2021.

Curtis said the map ultimately approved by the governor diluted the strength of Hispanic and minority voters in New Mexico.

“The Republican Party has asked legal experts to look at these maps as we consider taking the matter to court,” he said.

”Redistricting difficult process”

State Sen. Gay Kernan (R-42) said each senate district in New Mexico needed around 5percent of the same population which is roughly 50,000 people.

“Precincts within a district must be contiguous and as compact as possible,” she said.

During the redistricting process, Kernan said lawmakers considered and evaluated many maps.

“There was significant growth in three counties in southeast New Mexico: Eddy, Lea and Otero,” she said.

According to Census data, Lea County’s population was No. 7 in New Mexico with 74,455 people. Otero was No. 9 at 67,839, followed by Chaves at No. 10 with 65,157 and Eddy County was No. 11 with 62,314. 

More:Congressional redistricting map a disappointment

“Representation from a regional perspective did not change significantly,” Kernan said. “The development of the map was heavily influenced by the Native American communities which had an impact across the remainder of the state.”

She said some areas represented by current senators shifted in some cases.

“From a county perspective, Eddy County now has four senators representing the interests of Eddy County.  In my view, a community is always in a good position when multiple legislators represent an area,” Kernan said.

Before the governor signed the legislation, Sen. Ron Griggs (R-34) represented Dona Ana and Otero counties. He was removed from Dona Ana under the new law.

Another change involved Sen. Cliff Pirtle (R-32). The Roswell area farmer represented Chaves, Eddy and Otero counties prior to Jan. 6. Once Lujan Grisham signed SB-2 Otero County was removed from his jurisdiction, per the bill.

More:Lawmakers afraid southeast New Mexico will lose out in redistricting special session

The bill did not change Kernan’s boundaries or the jurisdiction of Sen. David Gallegos (R-41) as both represent sections of Lea and Eddy counties.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.