Jordan Juarez is the youngest commission chair in the state

BERNALILLO — The youngest commission chair in the state is sitting right here in Sandoval County.

That fact was shared at the regular commission meeting Jan. 28 by Deputy County Clerk Joey Dominguez. Jordan Juarez, who is a member Generation Z, was recently elected to the seat .

"I'd like to recognize and celebrate that Sandoval County has the youngest chair the state, according to my research," he said. "It's important to recognize the incredible leadership of young people who are driving innovation, inclusion and progress in our communities."

Dominguez added that the voice of young people matters. "Their ideas shape the future, and their courage challenges the outdated notion that leadership belongs only to the experienced."

He said leadership is not about age, that it's about vision, integrity and action. 

Dropping the seriousness, Dominguez shared jokes about Gen Z to celebrate Juarez's distinction, which took cracks at dial-up, Wi-Fi and TikTok.

Juarez defended himself on the last note.

"I am one of the only Gen Zers who probably does not have a TikTok," he said.