Javier Martínez said appointing an interim representative would preserve constituent representation without affecting voters’ choice in November

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - New Mexico House Speaker Javier Martínez is urging the Doña Ana County Commission to move forward with filling the House District 37 vacancy created by the July 31 retirement of longtime Rep. Joanne Ferrary.

In a July 30 letter to commissioners, Martínez argued that selecting an interim representative to complete Ferrary’s term is separate from the Nov. 3 general election, when voters will choose who serves the district beginning in January 2027.

“The Commission is in no way being asked to determine who will represent the district for the next two-year term,” Martínez wrote. “That decision remains, as it always has, with voters this November.”

His letter responds to House Minority Leader Gail Armstrong, who has urged commissioners to leave the seat vacant for the remainder of the year. According to Martínez, Armstrong contends that an appointment could give one candidate an advantage in the upcoming election.

Martínez rejected that argument, saying an interim appointment would not change the ballot or diminish voters’ ability to select the district’s next representative.

“The process for filling vacancies remains the same regardless of which party currently holds the seat or which party may benefit from filling it,” he wrote.

Joanne Ferrary retires from New Mexico House after decade representing Las Cruces

State Rep. Joanne Ferrary retired July 31 after nearly a decade representing House District 37 in northeastern Las Cruces.

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Speaker backs Lori Martinez for appointment

Martínez encouraged commissioners to give Lori Martinez, the Democratic nominee for the seat in November, their “highest consideration” during the vacancy process.

Lori Martinez is running against Republican Isabella Solis in the Nov. 3 general election for the full House District 37 term beginning in January 2027. Solis ran unopposed in her June primary race.

He wrote that House District 37 voters have elected Democratic representatives since 2014 and said appointing Lori Martinez would provide continuity for the remainder of the current term.

Lori Martinez wins Democratic House District 37 primary

Lori Martinez won the Democratic primary for New Mexico House District 37 and is set to face Republican Isabella Solis in November.

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The speaker also cited recent vacancies involving Republican-held seats in Senate District 33, House District 3 and House District 59. County commissioners submitted nominees in those cases, and the eventual appointees later sought election, he wrote.

“If the state’s appointment process is appropriate for filling Republican vacancies, it is equally appropriate for filling the current Democratic vacancy,” Martínez wrote.

Martínez concluded that filling the remainder of Ferrary’s term would not affect the November election.

“The reality remains that the voters of House District 37 will choose their representative for the next legislative term this November,” he wrote. “Nothing currently before the Commission alters that fundamental democratic principle.”