Local legislators take committee seats for 2025 session

SANTA FE — The 2025 legislative session officially began Tuesday, and committee seats are now set.

Legislators in New Mexico serve on committees to develop expertise, organize work and consider legislation before it reaches the full House or Senate.

Sandoval County’s legislators now have their committee assignments for 2025.

As of Wednesday, the only leading position on a committee by a Sandoval County legislator is held by District 44 Rep. Kathleen Cates, who is serving as vice chair on the Agriculture, Acequias and Water committee. Cates is also a member on the Health and Human Services Committee.

Newly elected Rep. Catherine Cullen, District 57, sits on three committees: Consumer and Public Affairs, and the Rural Development, Land Grants and Cultural Affairs committees.

Returning District 60 Rep. Josh Hernandez is serving on four committees, three of which had to do with economics, including the Appropriations and Finance, Commerce and Economic Development, Tax and Revenue, and Rules and Order of Business committees.

Also returning is Alan Martinez, District 23, named to several committees and interim committees, including the Legislative Council, Legislative Finance, Health and Human Resources, Judiciary, Rules and Order of Business, and Printing and Supplies committees.

While the Senate doesn’t have as many committees available, Sandoval County’s legislators can each be found on several.

Sen. Craig Brandt, District 40, is serving on the Committees’ Committee as well as the Finance Committee. For interim committees, he can be found on the Legislative Council, Legislative Education Study and Legislative Finance committees.

New Sen. Jay Block, District 12, joined the Senate Health and Public Affairs committee. For interim, he is on the Rules Committee.

Freshman Sen. Cindy Nava has her focus on the Health and Public Affairs and Education committees. She is not yet on any interim committees.

For more information on the legislative session, visit nmlegis.gov.