Not to Be Underestimated, Otero County Commissioner Amy Barela Named Chair New Mexico Republican Party

Otero County, New Mexico reasserts itself as the county of significant strength within the New Mexico Republican party with County Commissioner Amy Barela named state party chairwoman at the party’s convention Saturday in Truth or Consequences.

With chair Steve Pearce stepping down and not seeking a reelection the election of Amy Barela was a strong likelihood within the New Mexico Republican establishment. Ms. Barela has steadfastly worked within the local Otero County organization raising her voice and influence at the state level and slowly positioning herself for this key state party position of leadership and power. 

Amy Barela's history shows her as one not to be underestimated. 

Impressive in positioning, she was nominated via a surprise nomination for Otero County Chair in 2015, when Otero Republican Party's Rocky Galacinni opted to not run for the leadership role. Barela did not win that initial election and was surprised to be nominated. But Barela nonetheless went through with the contest, came up short, defeated by the new Chairwoman Trish Wilson, by a vote of 47-37.

However, Mrs Barela worked hard, paid her dues and eventually became chairwoman when Trish Wilson was removed by the CCC. 

She has served the local Otero party well. She then took the mantel in a primary fight for the District 2 County Commission seat. During the primary she was challenged by well known Alamogordo Center of Commerce Executive Director GB Oliver. It was expected Oliver would easily win the primary

Barela however, one not to be underestimated, worked here tail off, knocking on hundreds of doors and getting people to the polls via personal contacts and true perseverance. 

Now Amy Barela, again proof that she is formidable competitor, not to be underestimated, was named state GOP chair with an overwhelming victory and mandate after receiving almost three times as many votes, 157 to 58, from the State Central Committee as her closest challenger, John Brenna, the current Valencia County GOP chairman.

Members of the central committee voted by paper ballots, which were counted on-site at the Civic Center in Truth or Consequences. The central committee also voted to choose the state vice chairs, secretary, treasurer and vice chairs for the three congressional districts.

The race of Barela and Brenna also included four others in the running to replace Pearce: Robert Kwasny, who lost a bid for Bernalillo County clerk in the Republican primary; former Army officer Mark Murton; and Mick Rich, who made an unsuccessful bid for Senate in 2018. State Sen. Joshua Sanchez of Bosque withdrew his candidacy for the position last week.

Barela positioned herself in the race as a change agent within the party establishing her positions clearly...

"Now, more than ever, we must fight for New Mexicans—defending their constitutional rights, supporting our legislators in their efforts to combat out-of-control crime, and ensuring that law enforcement has the support they need. We must also bring awareness to the challenges New Mexicans face, including the state of our schools, rising prices, and the healthcare crisis. These are New Mexican issues and addressing them starts with voting differently to bring real change to our state.

Barela was elected to the Otero commission in 2022 and is a bedrock southern conservative. She won the seat held by court ousted Commissioner Couy Griffin, the Cowboys for Trump co-founder who was removed from office for the role he played in the the January 6 violent uprising at the nation's capitol.

 Her election as chair would keep the leadership of the party rooted in the deep Trump country of Otero County. 

What can New Mexico Republicans expect from Mrs. Barela? 

"I am honored to be able to serve all of our New Mexicans in this position.” She said she is planning structural changes within the party “so we have full transparency and participation” with members of the State Central Committee.

Barela also said she wants to “build unity” within the party and increase its visibility.

AlamogordoTownNews.org radio edition statement from Amy Barela hosted by Anthony Lucero in the upcoming days and congratulations Amy!

click to hear
Amy Barela statement on AlamogordoTownNews streaming on KALHRadio.org

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