Senate District 33 Vacancy: Counties Submit Finalists to Governor

The process to fill the vacant New Mexico Senate District 33 seat has reached a pivotal stage, with Chaves, Otero, and Lincoln counties each submitting a nominee to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. The governor is expected to make her selection within 30 days of receiving the final nomination, which came from Lincoln County on November 10.

Chaves County unanimously nominated Rex Wilson, a rancher and former Lincoln County Commissioner from Ancho. Wilson previously served from 1997 to 2003 and also held a regional director role with Presbyterian Health Services.

Otero County selected Representative John Block (R-Alamogordo) in a split 2–1 vote. Commissioners Amy Barela and Vickie Marquardt supported Block, citing the importance of local representation, while Commissioner Gerald Matherly opposed the nomination. Block’s selection has stirred debate: he is currently embroiled in a legal dispute stemming from a personal breakup and faces criticism over his legislative record. He is expected to face a Republican challenger in the 2026 primary for his House District 51 seat.

Lincoln County chose Commissioner Mark Fischer, a Navy veteran and chair of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners. Fischer, elected in 2022 to represent District 5. If appointed, he would be required to resign from the commission due to constitutional restrictions on dual office-holding.

The governor’s decision will determine who completes the unexpired term through December 31, 2027. The appointee would then need to run to retain the seat.

Local officials praised the process, noting the strength of the candidate pool and the thoughtful deliberations by each county commission. “Whichever nominee is selected, Senate District 33 will be well represented,” one commissioner said. “Each county did its homework, and we’re grateful to all who stepped forward.”

Eight individuals submitted letters of interest and interviewed, including Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford, former State Rep. Zach Cook, attorney Michael Wade of Alamogordo, and Otero County Attorney Roy R.B. Nichols.

The governor’s appointment is expected by December 10.

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