Albuquerque- Today, over 400 Democrats, mostly members of the governing body of the Democratic Party of New Mexico, the State Central Committee (SCC), convened at the Albuquerque Convention Center to conduct official Party business, including the announcement of the election results for Party officer positions. The results of the DPNM officer elections for the 2023 – 2023 term which begins immediately are:
Chair: Jessica Velasquez – reelected
Vice Chair: Manny Crespin reelected in only contested officer race
Treasurer: Rayellen Smith – reelected
Secretary: Isaac Dakota Casados – elected after running unopposed. Former Secretary, State Rep. Pamelya did not run for reelection after serving 2 two-year terms in the position.
In total, 469 SCC members voted in this election. The SCC Meeting will also include reports from DPNM’s outgoing or reelected officers, internal caucuses and committees. The keynote address was given by US Senator Martin Heinrich.
“While in neighboring states, far-right radicals are attacking fundamental rights and the foundations of our democracy, here in New Mexico, Democrats got to work safeguarding reproductive rights like legal abortion and gender-affirming healthcare, enacting sweeping voter protections and increasing access to the ballot, and helping working families get ahead. Our accomplishments are possible because you put in the work to elect fierce Democratic leaders.” said DPNM Chair Jessica Velasquez in her address to the SCC. “Looking ahead to the 2024 elections, you will help keep Democrats in the White House, the US Senate and House of Representatives in Washington, and here at home, we will sweep the NM Senate and House races. As the most involved Democrats in New Mexico, we all understand that our work is never done. Thank every one of you for being on our team as we lead New Mexico to many election victories for years to come.”
DPNM History was made as Isaac Dakota Casados is the first openly gay Native American Executive Officer in DPNM history.
No voting took place at the meeting – all SCC voting was conducted via secure online absentee ballot which took place between April 16th – 20th. Secure online voting is more accessible to Democrats across New Mexico who may not be able to attend for logistical or health reasons.
The State Central Committee (SCC) is the governing body of the Democratic Party of New Mexico and oversees the organization’s political affairs. The SCC’s powers include: approving Party Rules and Platform, electing party officers, committee members and DNC Committee Persons, nominating statewide and federal candidates to the ballot, and filling general election ballot vacancies in special circumstances.
