Rep. Susan Herrera Retires From New Mexico House

Throughout her seven years in the legislature, Rep. Herrera championed policies to improve rural water security and uplift New Mexico’s most vulnerable communities

Santa Fe, N.M. - Representative Susan Herrera (D-Embudo) is retiring today from the New Mexico House of Representatives. Rep. Herrera announced in February that she would not seek re-election this fall, and shared her retirement plans at the Legislative Finance Committee meeting last week. 

Rep. Herrera has served in the House since 2019, representing District 41, which spans four counties across Northern New Mexico. She spearheaded successful policies to improve rural water security, protect New Mexicans from predatory lending, and increase support for kinship caregivers and grandparents raising their grandchildren. During her tenure, Rep. Herrera served as Chair of the House Agriculture, Water Resources & Acequias Committee, Vice Chair of the House Local Government, Land Grants & Cultural Affairs Committee, and as a member of the chamber’s Appropriations & Finance Committee, Taxation & Revenue Committee, Commerce & Economic Development Committee, and Education Committee. 

“Rep. Herrera is an incredible public servant who fought tirelessly for the needs of her constituents and rural communities all across the state. She championed historic investments in rural water infrastructure and spearheaded innovative policies to support the state’s most vulnerable populations,” said House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque). “From her deep roots in Northern New Mexico to her advocacy in Washington, D.C., Rep. Herrera brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the legislature. Her leadership, kindness, and humor will be sorely missed, and we wish her all the best in retirement.” 

Prior to joining the state legislature, Rep. Herrera served as Director of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) in Washington, D.C., which elevates Latino voices and ensures Hispanics have a seat at the table on issues and policies impacting their communities. She also founded a CHC Fellowship program, which has grown into a nine-month internship that has helped hundreds of Hispanic students launch their careers in public service.

The Rio Arriba, Sandoval, Santa Fe, and Taos County Commissions will each make a nomination to the Governor to fill the seat vacated by Rep. Herrera. The Governor will then appoint one of those individuals to carry out the remainder of Rep. Herrera’s term. Yolanda “Pancha” Jaramillo won the Democratic primary for the district and currently faces no opponent in November’s general election. 

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