SANTA FE, N.M. — The Senate Rules Committee voted 5–4 to advance the governor’s appointments to the New Mexico State Fair Commission, sending the nominations to the full Senate for consideration during the upcoming regular session.
The commission oversees Expo New Mexico, a 236-acre state-run facility in Albuquerque that hosts the annual New Mexico State Fair and hundreds of events year-round. In addition to the fair, Expo New Mexico operates the state’s largest outdoor flea market and provides space for concerts, rodeos, trade shows, and cultural festivals. It functions as an enterprise fund, generating its own revenue with limited state support for capital improvements.
Voting in favor of the appointments were Senators Katy Duhigg (D–Albuquerque), Leo Jaramillo (D–Española), Heather Berghmans (D–Albuquerque), Linda López (D–Albuquerque), and Elizabeth “Liz” Stefanics (D–Cerrillos).
Voting against were Senators Crystal Brantley (R–Elephant Butte), James Townsend (R–Artesia), Jay Block (R–Rio Rancho), and David Gallegos (R–Eunice).
Senator Brantley voiced concerns about the commission’s treatment of rural communities. In a statement, she said the fair has “turned its back on our rural youth” during the COVID-19 pandemic and criticized discussions about relocating the fair from its historic location.
“While the appointees presented today are not lacking in individual qualifications,” Brantley said, “the commission as a whole has been a disappointment to rural New Mexico.”
The full Senate is expected to take up the confirmations during the next legislative session.
