Longtime State Representative and former House Republican Leader, Jim Townsend (R-Chaves, Eddy & Otero), was nominated and elected by the House Republican Caucus, with unanimous consent, to assume the role of House Minority Whip. Representative Greg Nibert previously held the position but was recently appointed to the New Mexico State Senate.

Rep. Townsend, who has represented Southeast New Mexico for 9 years, assumes the role as each side of the aisle prepares to battle each other on several hot button issues, mainly focused on the Governor’s so-called “public safety” agenda. Rep. Townsend stated, “It is an honor to serve, again, amongst other freedom-loving individuals in the leadership office. Our commitment to New Mexicans remains the same; we want you to have safe streets, a strong economy, student-driven education, lower taxes, more freedom, and less government.”