Internal Rift Deepens in New Mexico GOP as Chair Amy Barela Defies Calls to Resign Amid Contested Otero County Race

Alamogordo, NM – March 14, 2026 – The Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) is facing escalating internal divisions as State Chair Amy Barela remains steadfast in her refusal to step down from her leadership role while running in a contested primary for Otero County Commissioner District 2. Despite clear party rules mandating resignation in such cases, Barela’s decision has drawn sharp rebukes from numerous county chairs and party leaders, who accuse her of hypocrisy, clinging to power, and exacerbating fractures within the party at a pivotal time ahead of the 2026 elections. However, not all voices are united against her; former State Senator Jim Townsend has publicly defended and endorsed Barela, highlighting her “tireless work” and setting aside broader concerns about rule adherence in favor of her candidacy.

When asked as recently as yesterday rather she would be stepping down she responded no…

The controversy erupted after candidate filings on March 10, 2026, when Barela declared her bid at 9:06 a.m., only for Jonathan T. Emery, a retired Otero County Sheriff’s deputy and IT expert for the Tularosa Basin Regional Dispatch Authority, to file two minutes later, creating a contested Republican primary. RPNM’s Uniform State Rules (USRs) explicitly address this scenario: Rule 1-4-4 states that if a state officer like the chair files for public office and another Republican files for the same seat, “the state officer shall immediately vacate the party office,” with no exception for incumbents. Complementary rules, including 1-4-3 prohibiting endorsements (including self-endorsements) by party officers in primaries and 1-4-2 barring the use of party resources to favor one candidate, underscore the emphasis on neutrality and fairness.

Multiple party leaders have lambasted Barela as a “hypocrite” for holding onto her chair position, arguing it undermines party integrity and fuels division.

Former Alamogordo Mayor and lifelong Republican, Susan Payne expressed shock at supporters like Townsend, stating: “I’m blown away that Jim Townsend… has allowed politics to get in the way of good judgment and common sense… Amy Barella is trying to primary a legitimate candidate for county commission against RPNM rules and you support that? She literally told me herself that this couldn’t happen and yet she’s trying to make it happen and you support that?”

Another Republican Gary Person outlined on social media the rules plainly: “The Uniform State Rules of the RPNM contain a clear provision. Rule 1-4-4 states that if the State Chairman files as a candidate for public office and another Republican files for the same office, the officer ‘shall immediately vacate the party office.’… These rules exist to ensure neutrality and fairness within the party’s nomination process.”

Tanya Schwickrath Watkins emphasized the breach: “She is also in breach of USR 1-4-3 by continuing to endorse herself as a candidate, while still serving as an officer, and will remain in violation of both rules until she resigns her Chair position. Contrarily, abiding by rules exhibits integrity, unity, and sustainability of Party (and American) principles.” Watkins directly called for resignation: “Therefore, according to USR 1-4-4, Amy Barela, Republican Party of New Mexico Chair must immediately resign as Chair.”

Beth Dowling yet another Republican reiterated: “The Uniform State Rule (USR) 1-4-4 of the Republican Party: ‘In the event the state chairman or any other state officer of the Republican State Central Committee files as a candidate for public office and there is another Republican who has filed for the same office, the state officer shall immediately vacate the party office.’… Refusing to step down is a violation of USR 1-4-4.”

John Brennan another Republican via social media added: “There is no provision in the rule about ‘incumbent’ public office holders. Simply put, as of March 10, 2026, Amy Barela is no longer the State Chair of the Republican Party. Refusing to step down is a violation of USR 1-4-4.”

Michael Farrell in yet another post commented: “With a contested primary in place, the rules speak for themselves. I don’t see Barela as serving as chair at this point. County chairs should work through Mike Nelson so things stay consistent while the process unfolds. Let’s hope Mike does the right thing.”

John Slenes another Republican linked it to electoral failures: “A party that follows its rules is stronger, more unified, and far better positioned to defeat Democrats in November… And that folks is precisely why the RPNM hasn’t won shyt in the past several cycles and why it won’t likely win in 2026!”

In contrast, Jim Townsend, a respected figure in New Mexico Republican circles, has openly defended Barela’s position and endorsed her campaign, posting: “Happy to support Amy Barela; County Commissioner District 2 because of all the tireless work she does on many fronts.” This stance has drawn ire from those enforcing the rules, with critics like Payne and multiple others questioning how it aligns with principles of order and fairness. Townsend’s support highlights the deep schism: while some view Barela as a failed leader whose actions perpetuate party weakness, others see her as a dedicated asset worth defending, even if it means bending interpretations of the rules.

The RPNM’s enforcement options appear limited, but party rules are internally governed but filed with the Secretary of State under New Mexico Statutes Annotated (NMSA) 1978 §1-7-2, allowing courts to issue writs of mandamus for compliance.

Several county leaders have floated the idea of filing a legal writ to remove Barela, though no suit has materialized yet.

Historical parallels include a 2017 New Mexico GOP leader resigning over social media controversies, and national cases like a 2026 Pennsylvania representative stepping down amid conflict-of-interest allegations.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Eu v. San Francisco County Democratic Central Committee (1989) reinforced that parties must follow their own governance structures - thus if a writs of mandamus were filed based on US Supreme Court precedent it might not bold well for Barela.

As demands for Barela’s resignation mount from leaders statewide, the infighting threatens to derail RPNM’s 2026 strategy.

With the primary on June 2 looming, the party’s ability to rally voters and challenge Democratic dominance hangs in the balance.

Barela has addressed the criticisms directly, when asked if she was leaving with her statement to Alamogordo Town News…

The division among the ranks shows ongoing drama that underscores a broader struggle for control, credibility, and unity within New Mexico’s Republican ranks.

Citations

• Facebook - Jim Townsend, “Happy to support Amy Barela; County Commissioner District 2…”

• Source New Mexico, “Citing health, NM GOP senator resigns after less than a year in office”

• Justia Law, “New Mexico Statutes Section 1-7-2 (2024) - Qualification; removal; requalification”

• 2nd Life Media Alamogordo Town News, “Finalized Candidate Roster for Otero County’s 2026 Primary Election” (

• Republican Party of New Mexico, “Uniform State Rules” (PDF extract)

• The Etownian, “PA Politics: State Rep. resigns following ‘conflict of interest,’ teeing up fifth special election this year”

• Center for Public Integrity, “Conflicts of interest run rampant in state legislatures”

More News from Alamogordo

• The Jetsons? Albuquerque Joins Test for Flying Cars: FAA Selects City for eVTOL Pilot Program Flying cars a step closer…
• THE COSMIC TRIGGER: New Documentary Examines Unexplained Phenomena Over America’s Atomic Frontier Save the date May 16th, Flickinger Center Screening