Governor Appoints Rex Wilson to Vacant Senate District 33 Seat Amid GOP Praise and Rep. Block’s Defiant Response

SANTA FE, N.M. — January 8, 2026 — Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the appointment of former Lincoln County Commissioner Rex Wilson to fill the vacant New Mexico Senate District 33 seat, ensuring representation for residents in Lincoln, Otero, and Chaves counties just ahead of the upcoming 2026 legislative session.

Wilson, a Republican rancher and longtime healthcare administrator from Ancho, was selected from three nominees submitted by county commissions: himself (nominated by Chaves County and supported by a unanimous vote), Lincoln County Commission Chair Mark Fischer (nominated by his county by unanimous vote), and state Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo, nominated by Otero County in a split 1 opposed 2 in favor vote). The vacancy arose after former Sen. Nicholas Paul (R-Alamogordo) resigned in October 2025 citing health concerns.

Wilson brings extensive experience in public service, having served two terms as a Lincoln County commissioner and 18 years improving rural healthcare access. He founded Camp Sierra Blanca, a nationally recognized alternative education program for at-risk youth, and was named the 2017 Cattleman of the Year by the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association.

Senate Republican Leader Bill Sharer (R-Farmington) welcomed the appointment: “I extend my gratitude and congratulations to Rex Wilson, who will do a fantastic job serving the people of Senate District 33. Rex’s contributions in the Legislature will benefit every New Mexican and he will make a great addition to our New Mexico Senate Republican Caucus.”

Republican Party of New Mexico Chairwoman Amy Barela also praised the selection: “I want to congratulate Rex Wilson as he steps into this role to serve the constituents of SD-33 at one of the most critical moments in our state’s history. Rex will bring valuable insight to the Legislature, and his work will have a profound impact on the people in southern New Mexico.”

The Republican Party of Lincoln County issued a congratulatory statement, thanking all nominees—including Fischer and Block—for their dedication and expressing support for Wilson’s service.

Wilson himself stated: “I am humbled and honored to serve the people of Senate District 33. I look forward to getting meaningful things done for my fellow community members and the citizens of our Great State of New Mexico. Let’s get to work.”

However, state Rep. John Block, who had been Otero County’s nominee and a vocal conservative in the House, expressed sharp disappointment on social media.

Rather than unify with the rest of the Republican Party and congratulate the selection Block in a bitter snarky and lengthy post, Block declared: “I won’t trade conviction for a title — and never will.” He emphasized that voters had already chosen him and vowed to “keep fighting in the House: louder, stronger, and without apology.” Block framed his non-selection as validation of his firm stance on conservative values, stating it “comes with a political cost” but that he won’t compromise his principles or seek “permission to lead.” He described the outcome as “confirmation” rather than a setback, adding, “I’m not going anywhere — and I’m just getting started.”

Commentary- One wonders what he has led on given he has not sponsored and had passed a single meaningful piece of legislation during his tenure in office as reported by Mica Maynard at the end of the last legislative session.  Opinion: Bill Tracker and the Record of New Mexico Rep John Block - Dead is the Lead Classification on Sponsored Bills

Back to Facts: The appointment narrows the Democratic Senate majority to 26-16. Wilson will serve until the November 2026 election, when voters will choose a successor to complete the term. The move follows earlier Republican criticism of the governor for delaying the appointment, which they argued could disadvantage the district on capital outlay projects.

AlamogordoTownNews.org and KALHRadio.org congratulates Mr Wilson on his appointment and looks forward to future collaborations and opportunities to work for a better New Mexico together. 

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