Republican minority in New Mexico House choose new leader

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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