SANTA FE – Efforts to draw new political maps in New Mexico are beginning in earnest as a Democrat-led Legislature converges Monday on the state Capitol for a special legislative session.
States must redraw their congressional districts every 10 years to reflect new population numbers. The New Mexico Legislature was scheduled to take up redistricting at noon Monday. There is no specific deadline to forge an agreement.
Stakes are especially high for residents of a congressional swing district in southern New Mexico that flipped to Republican control in 2020.
Republicans need a net gain of just five seats to take control of the U.S. House. That would effectively freeze President Joe Biden’s agenda on climate change, the economy and other issues.
Democrats hold two congressional seats out of three for New Mexico.
Map recommendations were provided to legislators by a citizens’ advisory panel under a hybrid redistricting system. Legislators can adopt, modify or discard the suggested maps and start from scratch.
Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham holds veto authority over the process. It’s the first time in 30 years that the process is being overseen by both a Democratic governor and Democratic majorities in the Legislature.
Boundaries are being drawn not only for congressional seats but also 112 legislative districts and a commission overseeing charter schools.
Native American communities that account for about 12% of residents in New Mexico are seeking greater political influence through a variety of strategies.
The special session also is open to proposals for spending about $1 billion in federal pandemic relief.
The state Supreme Court ruled in November that those relief funds must be appropriated by the Legislature and not just the governor.
