SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - New Mexico House Republicans, who lost multiple seats in this month’s election, have chosen a new minority leader.
Rep. James Townsend of Artesia was elected Sunday to lead Republican lawmakers.
Republicans came away with 24 seats in the 70-member chamber after the Nov. 6 election. It’s the party’s smallest House caucus since 1996.
Townsend, a 63-year-old retired oil industry executive, replaces House Minority Leader Nate Gentry, who did not run for re-election.
Majority Democrats plan to nominate Brian Egolf of Santa Fe to continue as House speaker when the session begins in January.
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This story corrects a previous version to say election was held Nov. 6 and the spelling of House Minority Leader Nate Gentry.
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