b'2024 State ReportNEW MEXICO Petroleum Marketers Association ReportNew Mexico Primary Elections 2024All but seven Democratic incumbent legislatorsbeat back challengers in the June 4th primary election with Republican voters in southeastern New Mexico ousting two recent Republican appointees of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to select their own candidates. Leland GouldWith the Statewide voter turnout of just under 23% NMPMA or a fth of registered voters, progressives had Executive Director gains in the House and Senate.If Democrats show the same results in the general election, a state already controlled by the Demo- New Mexico crats with their super majority will move evenLand of Enchantmentfurther to the left.Three House Democrats from rural areas of NewThe measure is part of a modernization effort in the Mexico lost their bids for reelection: Willie MadridLegislature. New Mexico is the last state legislature in from Chaparral, representing District 53; Districtthe country where representatives serve on a volunteer 70 Ambrose Castellano, representing Torrance andbasisa system which Speaker of the House Javier San Miguel counties; and Harry Garcia of Grants, repre- Martinez, D-Albuquerque, said was romanticized. It senting District 69. In the most recent legislative ses- can be difcult, he said, to manage scheduling and all sion, all three legislators voted against the controversialthe responsibilities of a legislator while still working Senate Bill 3 which would have created the Paid Familyanother job.Leave Act. The bill died in the House on a 36-34 vote.Exxon Mobil Deal Gets FTC NodTwo long-serving incumbent Democrats lost their pri- Exxon Mobils $60 billion deal to buy Pioneer Natural maries to more progressive candidates, Senator DanielResources received clearance from the Federal Trade Ivy-Soto of District 15 and Senator Bill ONeill fromCommission, but the former CEO of Pioneer was barred District 13, both in Albuquerque. from joining the new companys board of directors. The All 112 legislative seats are on the ballot this year. deal with Pioneer in the Permian Basin, a huge oileld Currently there are 45 Democrats in the House and that straddles the basin between Texas and New Mexico 25 Republicans. In the Senate there are 27 Democratswill combine Pioneers 850,000 acres with Exxons and 15 Republicans. 570,000 acres. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer along with 22 other Democratic senators had urged News Around the FTC to investigate the deal and a separate merger between Chevron and Hess. New Mexico ConocoPhillipsBuying Marathon Oil for $17.1 Billion:State Legislators ConocoPhillips is buying Marathon Oil in an all-stock May Start Hiring Aides Soon:deal valued at approximately $17.1 billion as energy In the next year, more than 100 new positions will beprices rises and big oil companies reap massive prots. created in the New Mexico State Legislature, after theThe deal is valued at $22.5 billion when including debt. approval of a $6 million appropriation to hire year- Marathon Oil has been operating in the Permian basin round legislative aides. The Legislative Council votedsince 2017 and the majority of its acreage is in New 10-0 to approve an associated measure. The positionsMexicos Eddy and Lea counties.are expected to pay between $60,000 and $75,000. EachRepublicans Selectlegislator eventually will be able to hire an aide, whoNew Mexico House Leaders:will help with scheduling and other work throughout theFaced with a void at the top of their ranks due to Rep-year, out of new district ofces. resentative Ryan Lanes resignation, Republicans in the Incumbents running unopposed in the general electionstate House of Representatives have selected Farming-can start hiring September 1. Incumbents who win theirton lawmaker Rod Montoya as minority leader. The election can eld job candidates in November, newlyHouse caucus also chose freshman Representative Alan elected legislators will have their chance in April. Martinez as minority whip.42 www.wpma.com / Summer 2024'