NM Supreme Court Denies Emergency Appeal, Upholds Ouster of Republican Party Chair Amy Barela

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. — In a swift ruling issued today, June 10, 2026, the New Mexico Supreme Court denied an emergency petition from the Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) and Chairwoman Amy Barela, effectively upholding a lower court order that bars Barela from continuing to serve as state party chair while running in a contested primary.

The high court’s order in case No. S-1-SC-41439 rejected the petitioners’ request for a writ of superintending control and a stay. It came just days after the primary election period and marks another significant development in the ongoing civil war within New Mexico’s Republican Party.

Background on the Dispute

The underlying conflict stems from a lawsuit filed by Republican candidates, including gubernatorial hopeful Duke Rodriguez, Lt. Gov. candidate Aubrey Blair Dunn, and Otero County Commissioner candidate Jonathan Emery (among others). They alleged that Barela and other RPNM leaders violated party bylaws by:

• Allowing Barela to remain as chair while seeking re-election to her Otero County Commission seat against a fellow Republican challenger.

• Party officers publicly endorsing or supporting candidates in contested primaries.

Thirteenth Judicial District Judge Cindy M. Mercer sided with the plaintiffs on May 27, 2026, issuing a preliminary injunction. The order enjoined Barela from continuing as chair, citing a conflict of interest under party rules that require officers to vacate their positions immediately when facing intra-party competition. The ruling also restricted party officials from publicly endorsing candidates in contested races.

RPNM filed an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court on May 28, arguing the district court’s intervention was unprecedented, infringed on First Amendment rights, and improperly inserted the judiciary into internal party affairs.

Supreme Court Order

The full Supreme Court panel — including Chief Justice Julie J. Vargas, Justice Michael E. Vigil, Justice C. Shannon, and others concurring — reviewed the emergency petition and response. In a concise order, the Court stated it had considered the filings and was “sufficiently advised,” denying the petition and stay request outright. The decision was filed at approximately 11:29 a.m. today.

This upholds Judge Mercer’s injunction for the duration of the underlying case.

Reactions and Next Steps

As of this writing, immediate public reactions from Barela, RPNM leadership, or the plaintiffs were limited in available reporting. The party had previously indicated it would comply with the district court order while appealing, with First Vice Chair Mike Nelson stepping in on an interim basis.

Local Otero County sources and grassroots Republicans involved in the suit have long framed the challenge as a fight for party rule adherence and against perceived insider control. Barela, who recently lost her re-election bid for Otero County Commissioner, has been a focal point of the intra-party tensions.

This ruling is expected to further influence ongoing discussions about party governance, transparency, and leadership transitions heading into the general election cycle. The underlying district court case continues.

Alamogordo Town News will continue monitoring developments, including any statements from RPNM, affected candidates, or local officials. For full court documents, refer to the New Mexico Supreme Court filings in S-1-SC-41439.

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