Otero County Commission Race: Jonathan Emery Issues Statement Following Court Victory Over Amy Barela

In a closely watched Republican primary contest for Otero County Commission District 2, longtime Otero County Sheriff’s Deputy Jonathan Emery is challenging incumbent Commissioner Amy Barela, who also serves as Chair of the New Mexico Republican Party.

A lawsuit filed by Emery and other Republican candidates alleged that Barela’s dual role violated party bylaws, which require officers to step down when facing a contested primary. On May 27, 2026, District Court Judge Cindy Mercer issued a preliminary injunction ordering Barela to step down as party chair while the case proceeds.

Jonathan Emery’s Statement:

“I have been asked by numerous sources for a statement on yesterday’s court decision. Why have I been quiet, and why haven’t I talked about this lawsuit at all? Well, I’m not gloating because this lawsuit is not just about my campaign or the others involved. It should have never had to be filed in the first place.

Yesterday was a win, not for me, not for just those who filed, but for the Republican Party and for all the people of the State of New Mexico. We took a stand because no one is above the rules of law, and someone had to.

I took a stand because, as I stated in an earlier post, even if I had to fight the party I was a member of, I would. If I break the rules or violate the law, I would be disciplined, up to and including termination, or worse, arrested and/or incarcerated.

I don’t know what effect, if any, this lawsuit will have on June 2nd, since the damage is already done. My campaign was labeled ‘David vs. Goliath’ in the early days of its announcement. Well, some of those words in the article continued to play out that scenario.

The battle is not over; I may be David in that story, but Otero County is the slingshot, and District 2 is the rock!”

Throughout this campaign, Jonathan Emery has consistently taken the high road — focusing on integrity, adherence to party rules, and fair play. In contrast, his challenger Amy Barela and some of her supporters have faced criticism for actions perceived as leveraging her party leadership position, contributing to the need for legal intervention to enforce equal application of the rules.

This ruling underscores the principle that party bylaws apply to everyone, regardless of position. The June 2nd primary will determine the Republican nominee for the District 2 seat.

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